JP4967969B2 - Developing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Developing device and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
JP4967969B2
JP4967969B2 JP2007259293A JP2007259293A JP4967969B2 JP 4967969 B2 JP4967969 B2 JP 4967969B2 JP 2007259293 A JP2007259293 A JP 2007259293A JP 2007259293 A JP2007259293 A JP 2007259293A JP 4967969 B2 JP4967969 B2 JP 4967969B2
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developer
layer thickness
thickness regulating
magnetic pole
developing
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JP2009086555A (en
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和彦 竹本
徹 五十洲
浩昭 熊井
利昭 鈴木
英明 田中
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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、現像装置および画像形成装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus.

従来の電子写真方式の画像形成装置で使用される現像装置に関する技術として、下記の特許文献1記載の技術が知られている。
特許文献1としての特開平10−333431号公報には、層厚規制部材と現像剤保持体表面との間隔であるトリミングギャップを狭くした場合に、現像剤に作用する過度なストレスを与えること防止するために、現像剤担持体(1)の回転方向に沿って、単に複数の層厚規制部材(6、7)を配置しただけの技術が記載されている。
As a technique relating to a developing device used in a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a technique described in Patent Document 1 below is known.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-333431 as Patent Document 1 prevents the application of excessive stress acting on the developer when the trimming gap, which is the distance between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer holding member surface, is narrowed. Therefore, a technique is described in which a plurality of layer thickness regulating members (6, 7) are simply arranged along the rotation direction of the developer carrier (1).

特開平10−333431号公報(「0004」〜「0008」、図1、図4)JP-A-10-333431 ("0004" to "0008", FIGS. 1 and 4)

本発明は、層厚規制部材で規制されて現像剤保持体近傍に滞留した現像剤により経時的に層厚が変動することを防止することを技術的課題とする。   An object of the present invention is to prevent the layer thickness from fluctuating over time due to the developer that is regulated by the layer thickness regulating member and stays in the vicinity of the developer holder.

前記技術的課題を解決するために、請求項1記載の発明の現像装置は、
現像剤が収容された現像容器と、
表面に現像剤を保持して回転する筒状の現像剤保持体本体と、前記現像剤保持体本体の内部に固定支持され且つ少なくとも現像磁極と前記現像磁極の現像剤保持体本体の回転方向上流側に配置された層厚規制磁極とを有する磁石部材と、を有し、前記現像容器内に配置された現像剤保持体と、
前記層厚規制磁極に対向して配置されて前記現像剤保持体本体表面に付着した現像剤の厚さを規制する層厚規制部材と、
前記層厚規制部材の前記現像剤保持体本体回転方向上流側に配置され、且つ、前記現像容器の壁面との間に現像剤通過用の開口をあけて配置された上流側層厚規制部材と、
前記層厚規制部材と前記上流側層厚規制部材と前記現像容器の壁面との間の空間に存在する現像剤が前記開口を通じて通過する通過量を、前記開口の広さを調節して規制する開口規制部材であって、前記空間に存在する現像剤の圧力が大きい場合に、前記空間に存在する現像剤の圧力が小さい場合に比べて、前記開口の広さが広い位置に移動する前記開口規制部材と、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
In order to solve the technical problem, the developing device according to claim 1 is provided by:
A developer container containing a developer;
A cylindrical developer holder main body that rotates while holding the developer on the surface, and is fixedly supported inside the developer holder main body, and at least the developing magnetic pole and the developing magnetic pole in the upstream direction of rotation of the developer holding main body A magnetic member having a layer thickness regulating magnetic pole disposed on the side, and a developer holder disposed in the developer container,
A layer thickness regulating member that is disposed to face the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole and regulates the thickness of the developer attached to the surface of the developer holder body;
An upstream layer thickness regulating member arranged upstream of the developer holding body of the layer thickness regulating member in the rotation direction and having an opening for passing a developer between the developer container and the wall surface of the developer container. When,
The amount of developer passing through the opening through the opening is regulated by adjusting the width of the opening, the layer thickness restricting member, the upstream layer thickness restricting member, and the wall surface of the developing container. The opening restricting member , wherein when the pressure of the developer existing in the space is large, the opening moves to a position where the width of the opening is wider than when the pressure of the developer existing in the space is small. A regulating member ;
It is provided with.

請求項2に記載の発明は、請求項1に記載の現像装置において、
可撓性のある弾性部材により構成された前記開口規制部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
The invention according to claim 2 is the developing device according to claim 1,
The opening restricting member configured by a flexible elastic member;
It is provided with.

請求項3に記載の発明は、請求項1または2に記載の現像装置において、
前記現像剤保持体本体の軸方向に沿って、所定の間隔をあけて形成された複数の切り込み部を有する前記開口規制部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
The invention described in claim 3 is the developing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The opening restriction member having a plurality of cut portions formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the developer holding body.
It is provided with.

請求項4に記載の発明は、請求項3に記載の現像装置において、
前記現像容器内に前記現像剤保持体に並行して配置され、前記現像剤保持体に供給される現像剤を撹拌しながら搬送する撹拌搬送部材と、
前記現像容器内に配置され、前記現像剤保持体が収容される現像剤保持体収容室と、
前記現像剤保持体収容室に対して斜め下方に隣接して配置され、前記攪拌搬送部材が収容される攪拌室と、
前記攪拌室の現像剤を吸着して表面に保持する前記現像剤保持体と、
前記現像剤保持体収容室と前記攪拌室との間に配置されて、前記現像剤保持体収容室と前記攪拌室とを接続し且つ前記層厚規制部材に規制された現像剤が前記攪拌室に向かって通過可能な前記開口と、
重力方向下側に行くに連れて前記撹拌搬送部材の搬送方向下流側に傾斜する前記切り込み部と、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the third aspect,
An agitating and conveying member that is arranged in parallel to the developer holder in the developer container and conveys the developer supplied to the developer holder while stirring;
A developer holder housing chamber disposed in the developer container and containing the developer holder;
An agitating chamber that is disposed obliquely below and adjacent to the developer holding body accommodating chamber, and in which the agitating and conveying member is accommodated;
The developer holder for adsorbing the developer in the stirring chamber and holding it on the surface;
The developer that is disposed between the developer holding body storage chamber and the stirring chamber, connects the developer holding body storage chamber and the stirring chamber, and is regulated by the layer thickness regulating member is the stirring chamber. The opening that can pass toward
The incision portion that inclines toward the downstream side in the transport direction of the stirring transport member as it goes downward in the direction of gravity,
It is provided with.

請求項5に記載の発明は、請求項4に記載の現像装置において、
前記撹拌搬送部材の搬送方向に対して、上流側における前記切り込み部どうしの間隔に比べて、下流側における前記切り込み部どうしの間隔を狭くしたことを特徴とする。
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the fourth aspect,
The interval between the cut portions on the downstream side is narrower than the interval between the cut portions on the upstream side with respect to the conveyance direction of the stirring and conveying member.

請求項6に記載の発明は、請求項1ないし5のいずれかに記載の現像装置において、
前記層厚規制磁極の前記現像剤保持体本体の回転方向上流側に配置された現像剤吸着磁極を有する前記磁石部材と、
前記現像剤吸着磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分が最大の位置よりも前記現像剤保持体本体の回転方向下流側に配置され、且つ、前記層厚規制磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分が最大の位置よりも前記現像剤保持体本体の回転方向上流側に配置された前記上流側層厚規制部材と、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
The magnet member having a developer attracting magnetic pole disposed on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer holding body of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole;
The normal component of the magnetic flux density of the developer-adsorbing magnetic pole is disposed downstream of the maximum position of the developer holder body in the rotation direction of the developer holding body, and the normal component of the magnetic flux density of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole is The upstream layer thickness regulating member disposed on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer holder body from the maximum position;
It is provided with.

請求項7に記載の発明は、請求項6に記載の現像装置において、
前記現像剤保持体本体の外表面の磁束密度において、前記現像剤吸着磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分と、前記現像剤吸着磁極および前記層厚規制磁極間の磁束密度の接線方向成分とが同一の値となる位置の下流側に配置されると共に、前記層厚規制磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分と、前記現像剤吸着磁極および前記層厚規制磁極間の磁束密度の接線方向成分とが同一の値となる位置の上流側に配置された前記上流側層厚規制部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
The invention described in claim 7 is the developing device according to claim 6,
In the magnetic flux density on the outer surface of the developer holding body, the normal direction component of the magnetic flux density of the developer attracting magnetic pole and the tangential component of the magnetic flux density between the developer attracting magnetic pole and the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole are A magnetic flux density normal component of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole and a tangential component of the magnetic flux density between the developer attracting magnetic pole and the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole. The upstream layer thickness regulating member disposed upstream of the position where the same value is obtained,
It is provided with.

前記技術的課題を解決するために、請求項8に記載の発明の画像形成装置は、
表面に潜像が形成される像保持体と、
前記像保持体表面の潜像を可視像に現像する請求項1ないし7のいずれかに記載の現像装置と、
前記像保持体表面の可視像を媒体に転写する転写装置と、
前記媒体に転写された可視像を定着する定着装置と、
を備えたことを特徴とする。
In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 8 is provided.
An image carrier on which a latent image is formed on the surface;
The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which develops a latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring a visible image on the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for fixing the visible image transferred to the medium;
It is provided with.

請求項1に記載の発明によれば、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、層厚規制部材で規制されて現像剤保持体近傍に滞留した現像剤により経時的に層厚が変動することを防止することができる。
請求項2に記載の発明によれば、現像剤の圧力が大きくなると、可撓性のある弾性部材により構成された前記開口規制部材が弾性変形することで開口を通過する現像剤の量を調整することができ、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、簡素且つ低費用な構成で層厚の経時的な変動を低減できる。
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the layer thickness varies with time due to the developer that is regulated by the layer thickness regulating member and stays in the vicinity of the developer holder, as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided. This can be prevented.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the developer pressure increases, the amount of the developer passing through the opening is adjusted by elastically deforming the opening regulating member formed by a flexible elastic member. Compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, it is possible to reduce the variation of the layer thickness over time with a simple and low-cost configuration.

請求項3に記載の発明によれば、現像剤保持体本体の軸方向に沿って、収容された現像剤の圧力の分布にばらつきがある場合に、圧力が高くなった部分だけ通過量を調整でき、現像剤保持体本体の軸方向における圧力の分布を均一化することができる。すなわち、請求項3に記載の発明によれば、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、現像剤保持体本体の軸方向に対する層厚のばらつきを低減できる。
請求項4に記載の発明によれば、撹拌搬送部材の搬送方向に傾斜した切り込み部で開口から流出する現像剤を下流側に搬送することができ、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、流出した現像剤が撹拌が不十分な状態で、現像剤保持体本体に吸着することを低減できる。
According to the invention of claim 3, when the distribution of the pressure of the stored developer varies along the axial direction of the developer holding body, the passing amount is adjusted only for the portion where the pressure is increased. In addition, the pressure distribution in the axial direction of the developer holding body can be made uniform. That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the variation in the layer thickness in the axial direction of the developer holding body can be reduced as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided.
According to the invention described in claim 4, the developer flowing out from the opening can be transported to the downstream side by the cut portion inclined in the transport direction of the stirring transport member, and compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided. , It is possible to reduce the outflow of the developer adsorbed to the developer holding body in a state where the stirring is insufficient.

請求項5に記載の発明によれば、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、下流側ほど開口から流出した現像剤の搬送性能を高めることができる。
請求項6に記載の発明によれば、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、上流側層厚規制部材で規制された現像剤が現像剤吸着磁極により再吸着されることが低減され、効率的に層厚の規制を行うことができる。
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, it is possible to improve the transport performance of the developer flowing out from the opening toward the downstream side.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the developer regulated by the upstream layer thickness regulating member is reduced from being re-adsorbed by the developer adsorption magnetic pole as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided, The layer thickness can be regulated efficiently.

請求項7に記載の発明によれば、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、吸着力の強い現像剤吸着磁極の法線方向成分が弱くなる位置に配置された上流側層厚規制部材で規制された現像剤が再吸着されることが低減され、効率的に層厚の規制を行うことができる。
請求項8に記載の発明によれば、本発明の構成を有しない場合に比べて、現像剤の層厚の経時的な変動を低減することができ、現像時の画像濃度を安定化することができる。したがって、請求項8に記載の発明によれば、長期に渡って画質を安定化することができる。
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the upstream layer thickness regulating member is disposed at a position where the normal component of the developer attracting magnetic pole having a strong attracting force is weaker than that in the case of not having the configuration of the present invention. Thus, the re-adsorption of the developer regulated in (1) is reduced, and the layer thickness can be regulated efficiently.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the variation with time in the layer thickness of the developer and to stabilize the image density during development as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention is not provided. Can do. Therefore, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the image quality can be stabilized over a long period of time.

次に図面を参照しながら、本発明の実施の形態の具体例である実施例を説明するが、本発明は以下の実施例に限定されるものではない。
なお、以後の説明の理解を容易にするために、図面において、前後方向をX軸方向、左右方向をY軸方向、上下方向をZ軸方向とし、矢印X,−X,Y,−Y,Z,−Zで示す方向または示す側をそれぞれ、前方、後方、右方、左方、上方、下方、または、前側、後側、右側、左側、上側、下側とする。
また、図中、「○」の中に「・」が記載されたものは紙面の裏から表に向かう矢印を意味し、「○」の中に「×」が記載されたものは紙面の表から裏に向かう矢印を意味するものとする。
なお、以下の図面を使用した説明において、理解の容易のために説明に必要な部材以外の図示は適宜省略されている。
Next, examples which are specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

図1は本発明の画像形成装置の実施例1の正断面図である。
図1において、本発明の実施例1の画像形成装置の一例としての複写機Uは、自動原稿搬送装置U1と、これを支持し且つ上端に透明な原稿台PGを有する画像形成装置本体U2とを備えている。
前記自動原稿搬送装置U1は、複写しようとする複数の原稿Giが重ねて載置される原稿給紙部TG1と、原稿給紙部TG1から前記原稿台PG上の複写位置(原稿読取位置)を通過して搬送される原稿Giが排出される原稿排紙部TG2とを有している。
前記画像形成装置本体U2は、利用者が複写開始等の作動指令信号を入力操作する操作部UIと、露光光学系A等を有している。
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a copying machine U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an automatic document feeder U1, and an image forming apparatus body U2 that supports this and has a transparent document table PG at the upper end. It has.
The automatic document feeder U1 includes a document feeder TG1 on which a plurality of documents Gi to be copied are placed and a copy position (document reading position) on the document table PG from the document feeder TG1. And a document discharge section TG2 from which the document Gi transported and conveyed is discharged.
The image forming apparatus main body U2 includes an operation unit UI through which a user inputs an operation command signal for starting copying, an exposure optical system A, and the like.

前記自動原稿搬送装置U2で原稿台PG上を搬送される原稿または手動で原稿台PG上に置かれた原稿からの反射光は、前記露光光学系Aを介して、固体撮像素子CCDで赤R、緑G、青Bの電気信号に変換される。
画像変換部IPSは、固体撮像素子CCDから入力される前記RGBの電気信号を黒K、イエローY、マゼンタM、シアンCの画像情報に変換して一時的に記憶し、前記画像情報を所定の時期に潜像形成用の画像情報として潜像形成装置駆動回路DLに出力する。
なお、原稿画像が単色画像、いわゆるモノクロの場合は、黒のみの画像情報が潜像形成装置駆動回路DLに入力される。
前記潜像形成装置駆動回路DLは、各色Y,M,C,Kの図示しない各潜像形成装置駆動回路を有し、入力された画像情報に応じた潜像形成装置駆動信号を所定の時期に、潜像形成装置ROSの各色の図示しない潜像書込光照射部に出力する。
Reflected light from a document conveyed on the document table PG by the automatic document feeder U2 or a document manually placed on the document table PG is red R by the solid-state imaging device CCD via the exposure optical system A. , Green G, and blue B electrical signals.
The image conversion unit IPS converts the RGB electrical signals input from the solid-state imaging device CCD into black K, yellow Y, magenta M, and cyan C image information and temporarily stores the image information. At a time, it is output to the latent image forming apparatus driving circuit DL as image information for forming a latent image.
When the document image is a single color image, so-called monochrome, only black image information is input to the latent image forming device drive circuit DL.
The latent image forming device drive circuit DL has respective latent image forming device drive circuits (not shown) for the respective colors Y, M, C, and K, and outputs a latent image forming device drive signal corresponding to input image information at a predetermined time. And output to a latent image writing light irradiation unit (not shown) for each color of the latent image forming apparatus ROS.

図2は本発明の実施例1の画像形成装置の要部拡大図である。
前記潜像形成装置ROSの上方に配置された可視像形成装置Uy,Um,Uc,Ukはそれぞれ、イエローY、マゼンタM、シアンC、および黒Kの各色の可視像の一例としてのトナー像を形成する装置である。
潜像形成装置ROSの前記図示しない各潜像形成光照射部からは、潜像書込光の一例として、Y,M,C,KのレーザビームLy,Lm,Lc,Lkが照射される。前記レーザビームLy,Lm,Lc,Lkは、それぞれ、回転する像保持体PRy,PRm,PRc,PRkに入射する。
前記Yの可視像形成装置Uyは、回転する像保持体PRy、帯電器CRy,現像装置Gy、一次転写器T1y、像保持体清掃器CLyを有しており、前記可視像形成装置Um,Uc,Ukはいずれも前記Yの可視像形成装置Uyと同様に構成されている。
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The visible image forming devices Uy, Um, Uc, Uk arranged above the latent image forming device ROS are toners as examples of visible images of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K, respectively. An apparatus for forming an image.
As an example of latent image writing light, Y, M, C, and K laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk are emitted from the respective latent image forming light irradiation units (not shown) of the latent image forming apparatus ROS. The laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk are incident on rotating image carriers PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk, respectively.
The Y visible image forming device Uy includes a rotating image carrier PRy, a charger CRy, a developing device Gy, a primary transfer device T1y, and an image carrier cleaner CLy, and the visible image forming device Um. , Uc, Uk are configured in the same manner as the Y visible image forming apparatus Uy.

前記各像保持体PRy,PRm,PRc,PRkは、それぞれ、帯電器の一例としての帯電ロールCRy,CRm,CRc,CRkにより一様に帯電された後、画像書込位置Q1y、Q1m,Q1c,Q1kにおいて、前記レーザビームLy,Lm,Lc,Lkにより、その表面に静電潜像が形成される。前記像保持体PRy,PRm,PRc,PRk表面の静電潜像は、現像領域Q2y,Q2m,Q2c,Q2kにおいて現像装置Gy,Gm,Gc,Gkによりトナー像に現像される。
その現像されたトナー像は、中間転写体の一例としての中間転写ベルトBに接触する1次転写領域Q3y,Q3m,Q3c,Q3kに搬送される。前記1次転写領域Q3y,Q3m,Q3c,Q3kにおいて、中間転写ベルトBの裏面側に配置された一次転写装置の一例としての1次転写ロールT1y,T1m,T1c,T1kには、制御部Cにより制御される電源回路Eから所定の時期にトナーの帯電極性と逆極性の1次転写電圧が印加される。
前記各像保持体PRy〜PRk上のトナー像は前記1次転写ロールT1y,T1m,T1c,T1kにより中間転写ベルトBに1次転写される。1次転写後の像保持体PRy,PRm,PRc,PRk表面の残留トナーは、像保持体清掃器の一例としての像保持体クリーナCLy,CLm,CLc,CLkにより清掃される。
Each of the image carriers PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk is uniformly charged by charging rolls CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk as an example of a charger, and then image writing positions Q1y, Q1m, Q1c, At Q1k, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the laser beam Ly, Lm, Lc, Lk. The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the image carriers PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk are developed into toner images by the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk in the development areas Q2y, Q2m, Q2c, and Q2k.
The developed toner image is conveyed to primary transfer regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k that are in contact with an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of an intermediate transfer member. In the primary transfer regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k, a primary transfer roll T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k as an example of a primary transfer device disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt B is supplied by a control unit C. A primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied from a controlled power supply circuit E at a predetermined time.
The toner images on the image carriers PRy to PRk are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k. Residual toner on the surface of the image carrier PRy, PRm, PRc, PRk after the primary transfer is cleaned by an image carrier cleaner CLy, CLm, CLc, CLk as an example of an image carrier cleaner.

前記像保持体PRy〜PRkの上方には、上下移動可能且つ前方に引き出し可能な中間転写装置の一例としてのベルトモジュールBMが配置されている。前記ベルトモジュールBMは、前記中間転写ベルトBと、張力付与部材の一例としてのテンションロールRtと、蛇行防止部材の一例としてのウォーキングロールRwと、従動部材の一例としてのアイドラロールRfと、駆動部材の一例としての駆動ロール兼用の二次転写対向部材の一例としてのバックアップロールT2aと、前記1次転写ロールT1y,T1m,T1c,T1kとを有している。前記テンションロールRt、ウォーキングロールRw、アイドラロールRf、駆動ロール兼用のバックアップロールT2aにより、中間転写体支持部材の一例としてのベルト支持ロールRt+Rw+Rf+T2が構成されている。そして、前記中間転写ベルトBは前記ベルト支持ロールRt+Rw+Rf+T2aにより回転移動可能に支持されている。したがって、前記駆動ロール兼用のバックアップロールT2aを回転駆動する駆動装置および前記ベルト支持ロールRt+Rw+Rf+T2a等により中間転写ベルト駆動装置が構成されている。   Above the image carriers PRy to PRk, a belt module BM as an example of an intermediate transfer device that can move up and down and can be pulled out forward is disposed. The belt module BM includes the intermediate transfer belt B, a tension roll Rt as an example of a tension applying member, a walking roll Rw as an example of a meandering prevention member, an idler roll Rf as an example of a driven member, and a driving member. A backup roll T2a as an example of a secondary transfer counter member also serving as a drive roll as an example, and the primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k. The tension roll Rt, the walking roll Rw, the idler roll Rf, and the backup roll T2a that also serves as a drive roll constitute a belt support roll Rt + Rw + Rf + T2 as an example of an intermediate transfer member support member. The intermediate transfer belt B is rotatably supported by the belt support roll Rt + Rw + Rf + T2a. Accordingly, an intermediate transfer belt driving device is constituted by the driving device that rotationally drives the backup roll T2a also serving as the driving roll, the belt support roll Rt + Rw + Rf + T2a, and the like.

前記バックアップロールT2aに接する中間転写ベルトBの表面に対向して二次転写部材の一例としての2次転写ロールT2bが配置されており、前記各ロールT2a,T2bにより、実施例1の2次転写装置T2が構成されている。また、2次転写ロールT2bおよび中間転写ベルトBの対向する領域には2次転写領域Q4が形成される。
前記1次転写領域Q3y,Q3m,Q3c,Q3kで一次転写ロールT1y,T1m,T1c,T1kにより中間転写ベルトB上に順次重ねて転写されたトナー像は、前記2次転写領域Q4に搬送される。
A secondary transfer roll T2b as an example of a secondary transfer member is disposed opposite to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B in contact with the backup roll T2a, and the secondary transfer of Embodiment 1 is performed by the rolls T2a and T2b. A device T2 is configured. Further, a secondary transfer region Q4 is formed in a region where the secondary transfer roll T2b and the intermediate transfer belt B are opposed to each other.
The toner images that are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k in the primary transfer areas Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k are conveyed to the secondary transfer area Q4. .

前記潜像形成装置ROSの下方には、媒体給紙部の一例としての給紙トレイTR1〜TR3を前後方向に出入可能に支持する左右一対の案内部の一例としてのガイドレールGR、GRが3段設けられている。給紙トレイTR1〜TR3には、媒体の一例としての記録シートSが収容されている。前記記録シートSは、媒体取出し部材の一例としてのピックアップロールRpにより取り出され、捌き部材の一例としてのさばきロールRsにより1枚ずつ分離される。さばきロールRsにより分離された記録シートSは、複数の搬送部材の一例としてのシート搬送ロールRaにより、給紙時期調整部材の一例としてのレジロールRrに送られる。前記シート搬送ロールRaは、媒体案内部材、いわゆるシートガイドにより形成された搬送路SHに沿って複数設けられており、2次転写領域Q4のシート搬送方向上流側にはレジロールRrが配置されている。前記搬送路SH、シート搬送ロールRa、レジロールRr等によりシート搬送装置SH+Ra+Rrが構成されている。   Below the latent image forming device ROS, there are 3 guide rails GR and GR as an example of a pair of left and right guides that support the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 as an example of a medium paper feed unit so as to be able to enter and exit in the front-rear direction. There are steps. Recording sheets S as an example of media are accommodated in the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3. The recording sheets S are taken out by a pick-up roll Rp as an example of a medium take-out member and separated one by one by a separating roll Rs as an example of a separating member. The recording sheet S separated by the separating roll Rs is sent to a registration roll Rr as an example of a sheet feeding timing adjusting member by a sheet conveying roll Ra as an example of a plurality of conveying members. A plurality of the sheet conveyance rolls Ra are provided along a conveyance path SH formed by a medium guide member, a so-called sheet guide, and a registration roll Rr is disposed upstream of the secondary transfer region Q4 in the sheet conveyance direction. . A sheet conveying device SH + Ra + Rr is configured by the conveying path SH, the sheet conveying roll Ra, the registration roll Rr, and the like.

レジロールRrは、前記中間転写ベルトBに形成されたトナー像が2次転写領域Q4に搬送されるのに時期を合わせて、前記記録シートSを2次転写領域Q4に搬送する。記録シートSが前記2次転写領域Q4を通過する際、前記バックアップロールT2aは接地、すなわちアースされ、2次転写ロールT2bには前記制御部Cにより制御される電源回路Eから所定の時期にトナーの帯電極性と逆極性の2次転写電圧が印加される。このとき、前記中間転写ベルトB上のトナー像は、前記2次転写器T2により前記記録シートSに転写される。
2次転写後の前記中間転写ベルトBは、中間転写体清掃器の一例としてのベルトクリーナCLbにより清掃される。
The registration roll Rr conveys the recording sheet S to the secondary transfer area Q4 in time for the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B to be conveyed to the secondary transfer area Q4. When the recording sheet S passes through the secondary transfer region Q4, the backup roll T2a is grounded, that is, grounded, and toner is supplied to the secondary transfer roll T2b from the power supply circuit E controlled by the control unit C at a predetermined time. A secondary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity is applied. At this time, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording sheet S by the secondary transfer device T2.
The intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLb as an example of an intermediate transfer body cleaner.

前記トナー像が2次転写された記録シートSは、定着装置Fに搬送される。前記定着装置Fは、加熱定着部材の一例としての加熱ロールFhおよび加圧定着部材の一例としての加圧ロールFpを有し、加熱ロールFhおよび加圧ロールFpの圧接領域である定着領域Q5を通過する際に、記録シートS表面の未定着トナー像が加熱定着される。トナー像が加熱定着された記録シートSは、媒体排出部材の一例としての排出ローラRhにより、媒体排出部の一例としての排紙トレーTRhに排出される。
なお、前記加熱ロールFh表面には、記録シートSの前記加熱ロールFhからの離型性を良くするための離型剤が離型剤塗布装置Faにより塗布されている。
The recording sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is conveyed to the fixing device F. The fixing device F includes a heating roll Fh as an example of a heat fixing member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member, and includes a fixing region Q5 that is a pressure contact region between the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp. When passing, the unfixed toner image on the surface of the recording sheet S is heat-fixed. The recording sheet S on which the toner image is heat-fixed is discharged to a paper discharge tray TRh as an example of a medium discharge portion by a discharge roller Rh as an example of a medium discharge member.
A release agent for improving the releasability of the recording sheet S from the heating roll Fh is applied to the surface of the heating roll Fh by a release agent coating device Fa.

前記ベルトモジュールBMの上方にはY,M,C,Kの各現像剤を収容する現像剤補給容器の一例としてのトナーカートリッジKy,Km,Kc,Kkが配置されている。各トナーカートリッジKy,Km,Kc,Kkに収容された現像剤は、前記現像装置Gy,Gm,Gc,Gkの現像剤の消費に応じて、図示しない現像剤補給路から前記各現像装置Gy,Gm,Gc,Gkに補給される。   Above the belt module BM, toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, and Kk as an example of a developer supply container that stores Y, M, C, and K developers are disposed. The developers contained in the toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, and Kk are supplied from the developer supply path (not shown) to the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk according to the consumption of the developer in the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk. Gm, Gc, Gk are replenished.

図1において、前記画像形成装置Uは上側枠体UFと下側枠体LFとを有しており、上側枠体UFには、前記潜像形成装置ROSおよび潜像形成装置ROSよりも上方に配置された部材(像保持体PRy,PRm,PRc,PRk、現像装置Gy,Gm,Gc,Gk、ベルトモジュールBM等)が支持されている。
また、下側枠体LFには、前記給紙トレイTR1〜TR3を支持するガイドレールGRおよび前記各トレイTR1〜TR3から給紙を行う前記給紙部材、すなわち、ピックアップロールRp,さばきロールRs,シート搬送ロールRa等が支持されている。
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus U has an upper frame UF and a lower frame LF, and the upper frame UF is located above the latent image forming apparatus ROS and the latent image forming apparatus ROS. Arranged members (image carriers PRy, PRm, PRc, PRk, developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk, belt module BM, etc.) are supported.
The lower frame LF includes a guide rail GR that supports the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 and the paper feed members that feed paper from the trays TR1 to TR3, that is, a pickup roll Rp, a separation roll Rs, A sheet conveying roll Ra and the like are supported.

(現像装置)
図3は本発明の実施例1の現像装置の説明図である。
図4は実施例2の現像装置の正断面説明図であり、図4Aは図3のIVA−IVA線断面図、図4Bは図4AのIVB−IVB線断面図である。
なお、前記現像装置Gy、Gm、Gc、Gkは同様の構成をしているので、以下現像装置Gyに関して説明し、その他の現像装置Gm、Gc、Gkに関する説明は省略する。
(Developer)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a front sectional view of the developing device of Example 2, FIG. 4A is a sectional view taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A.
Since the developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk have the same configuration, only the developing device Gy will be described below, and descriptions of the other developing devices Gm, Gc, and Gk are omitted.

図3、図4において、前記現像領域Q2yで像保持体PRに対向して配置された現像装置Gyは、負極性、すなわち、−極性に帯電するトナーと、正極性、すなわち+極性に帯電する磁性キャリアとからなる2成分現像剤を収容する現像容器Vを有している。前記現像容器Vは、現像容器本体1とその上端を塞ぐ蓋部材の一例としての現像容器カバーWとを有している。前記現像容器本体1の前端には、図4に示すように前方に突出する前方突出部3が一体成形されている。前記現像容器本体1の前壁1a、後壁1bには、現像装置Gyの長手方向に伸びる層厚規制部材SKの両端部がネジで固定されている。図3において、前記現像容器本体1の像保持体PRy側の外壁には、漏出防止部材の一例として、現像装置Gyの長手方向に伸びる可撓性を有する上流側シールJsが設けられている。   3 and 4, the developing device Gy disposed opposite to the image carrier PR in the developing region Q2y is negatively charged, that is, negatively charged toner, and positively charged, that is, positively charged. It has a developing container V that contains a two-component developer composed of a magnetic carrier. The developing container V includes a developing container main body 1 and a developing container cover W as an example of a lid member that closes the upper end of the developing container main body 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a front projecting portion 3 that projects forward is integrally formed at the front end of the developing container main body 1. Both ends of a layer thickness regulating member SK extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing device Gy are fixed to the front wall 1a and the rear wall 1b of the developing container body 1 with screws. In FIG. 3, an upstream seal Js having flexibility extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing device Gy is provided as an example of a leakage preventing member on the outer wall of the developing container main body 1 on the image carrier PRy side.

図3において、現像容器本体1はその内側に、現像剤保持体の一例としての現像ロールR0が収容される現像剤保持体収容室の一例としての現像ロール室4と、前記現像ロール室4に隣接する第1攪拌室6と、前記第1攪拌室6に隣接する第2攪拌室7とを有している。前記現像容器カバーWは前記第2攪拌室7上に配置される上壁Waと、前記上壁Waの左端部から伸びて前記現像ロール室4を形成する現像剤保持体収容壁Wbと、前記上壁Waの右部から下方に伸びて前記現像容器本体1の内壁に嵌合する嵌合部Wcとを有している。そして、前記現像剤保持体収容壁Wbは弧状の頂壁Wb1及び平板状の傾斜壁Wb2とを有している。   In FIG. 3, the developing container main body 1 includes a developing roll chamber 4 as an example of a developer holding body accommodating chamber in which a developing roll R0 as an example of a developer holding body is accommodated, and the developing roll chamber 4. It has a first agitating chamber 6 adjacent to it and a second agitating chamber 7 adjacent to the first agitating chamber 6. The developer container cover W includes an upper wall Wa disposed on the second stirring chamber 7, a developer holding body containing wall Wb extending from the left end of the upper wall Wa to form the developing roll chamber 4, A fitting portion Wc that extends downward from the right portion of the upper wall Wa and fits into the inner wall of the developing container main body 1 is provided. The developer holder housing wall Wb has an arcuate top wall Wb1 and a flat inclined wall Wb2.

図4において、前記第1攪拌室6は現像容器本体1側の第1主攪拌室6aと、前方突出部3の左部3a側の排出室6bとを有している。また、前記第2攪拌室7は現像容器本体1側の第2主攪拌室7aと、前記前方突出部3の右部3b側の補給室7bとを有している。前記現像容器本体1の内側で前記第1攪拌室6と第2攪拌室7との間には、前記第1主攪拌室6aおよび第2主攪拌室7aの両端部以外の部分が仕切壁9によって仕切られている。即ち、前記第1主攪拌室6a及び第2主攪拌室7aはその前後方向両端部の前側流入部E1及び後側流入部E2において現像剤が流入可能に構成されている。
前記第1攪拌室6及び第2攪拌室7とによって、実施例1の循環攪拌室6+7が構成されている。
In FIG. 4, the first stirring chamber 6 has a first main stirring chamber 6 a on the developing container main body 1 side and a discharge chamber 6 b on the left portion 3 a side of the front protruding portion 3. The second stirring chamber 7 has a second main stirring chamber 7a on the developing container main body 1 side and a replenishing chamber 7b on the right portion 3b side of the front projecting portion 3. Between the first stirring chamber 6 and the second stirring chamber 7 inside the developing container main body 1, a portion other than both ends of the first main stirring chamber 6a and the second main stirring chamber 7a is a partition wall 9. It is partitioned by. That is, the first main stirring chamber 6a and the second main stirring chamber 7a are configured such that the developer can flow in the front inflow portion E1 and the rear inflow portion E2 at both ends in the front-rear direction.
The first stirring chamber 6 and the second stirring chamber 7 constitute the circulation stirring chamber 6 + 7 of the first embodiment.

図3、図4において、前記前側接続部材3の左部3aの下部には現像剤排出口3a1が設けられており、前記前側接続部材3の右部3bの上部には、図4に示すように、補給口3b1が設けられている。前記補給口3b1は、補給された新しい現像剤が補給後すぐに排出されないように配置されている。   3 and 4, a developer discharge port 3a1 is provided at the lower part of the left part 3a of the front connection member 3, and the upper part of the right part 3b of the front connection member 3 is as shown in FIG. In addition, a supply port 3b1 is provided. The replenishing port 3b1 is arranged so that new replenished developer is not discharged immediately after replenishment.

図3、図4において、前記現像ロールR0は、現像容器Vに固定支持された磁石部材の一例としての磁石ロール8と、前記磁石ロール8の外周に回転可能に支持され且つ現像領域Q2yで反重力方向に回転する現像剤保持体本体の一例としての現像スリーブ9とを有する。実施例1の磁石ロール8には、像保持体PRyに対向して配置された現像磁極S1と、前記現像磁極S1の現像スリーブ9回転方向上流側に配置され且つ層厚規制部材SKと対向して配置された層厚規制磁極N2と、前記現像磁極S1の前記現像スリーブ9回転方向下流側に配置された搬送磁極N1と、搬送磁極N1の前記現像スリーブ9回転方向下流側に配置された現像剤剥離磁極の一例としてのピックオフ磁極S2、前記ピックオフ磁極S2と層厚規制磁極N2との間に配置された現像剤吸着磁極の一例としてのピックアップ磁極S3と、を有する。
前記第1主攪拌室6aの現像剤は、前記ピックアップ磁極S3によって前記現像スリーブ9表面上に吸着されて、層厚規制磁極N2と層厚規制部材SKにより層厚が規制された状態で、現像領域Q2に搬送される。
3 and 4, the developing roll R0 is supported by a magnet roll 8 as an example of a magnet member fixedly supported by the developing container V, and rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the magnet roll 8, and is opposite to the developing area Q2y. A developing sleeve 9 as an example of a developer holder main body rotating in the direction of gravity. The magnet roll 8 according to the first exemplary embodiment is disposed on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 9 with respect to the developing magnetic pole S1 disposed facing the image carrier PRy, and opposed to the layer thickness regulating member SK. The layer thickness regulating magnetic pole N2 arranged in this manner, the conveying magnetic pole N1 arranged downstream of the developing magnetic pole S1 in the rotating direction of the developing sleeve 9, and the developing arranged arranged downstream of the conveying magnetic pole N1 in the rotating direction of the developing sleeve 9 A pick-off magnetic pole S2 as an example of the agent peeling magnetic pole, and a pickup magnetic pole S3 as an example of a developer attracting magnetic pole disposed between the pick-off magnetic pole S2 and the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole N2.
The developer in the first main stirring chamber 6a is adsorbed onto the surface of the developing sleeve 9 by the pickup magnetic pole S3 and is developed in a state where the layer thickness is regulated by the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole N2 and the layer thickness regulating member SK. It is conveyed to the area Q2.

図4において、前記現像ロールR0のロール軸R0aは現像容器本体1の前面壁と後面壁によって回転自由に支持されており、図4Aに示すように現像剤保持体軸R0aの後端には駆動伝達部材の一例としてのギアG0が固定されている。
前記現像容器本体1の前壁1a及び後壁1bの内壁には、横漏れ防止部材支持部の一例として、現像ロールR0側に突出し且つ現像ロールR0より径の大きい前側サイドシール支持部1a1および後側サイドシール支持部1b1が形成されている。そして、前記サイドシール支持部1a1、1b1の像保持体PRy側には、サイドシール支持部1a1、1b1が像保持体PRyに接触しないように、図4Bに示す弧状の切除部1a2,1b2が形成されている。
In FIG. 4, the roll axis R0a of the developing roll R0 is rotatably supported by the front wall and the rear wall of the developing container body 1, and is driven at the rear end of the developer holding body axis R0a as shown in FIG. 4A. A gear G0 as an example of the transmission member is fixed.
The inner walls of the front wall 1a and the rear wall 1b of the developing container main body 1 are, as an example of a side leakage prevention member support portion, protruding to the developing roll R0 side and having a larger diameter than the developing roll R0, the front side seal support portion 1a1 and the rear A side side seal support portion 1b1 is formed. Further, arc-shaped cut portions 1a2 and 1b2 shown in FIG. 4B are formed on the side seal support portions 1a1 and 1b1 on the image carrier PRy side so that the side seal support portions 1a1 and 1b1 do not contact the image carrier PRy. Has been.

図3、図4において、前記第1攪拌室6及び第2攪拌室7には現像剤を攪拌しながら搬送する第1攪拌部材R1および第2攪拌部材R2が配置されている。図4において、前記第1攪拌部材R1は、前記現像ロールR0の軸方向に伸びる第1回転軸R1aと、前記回転軸R1aの外周に固着された攪拌搬送羽根R1bと逆搬送羽根R1cとを有している。前記攪拌搬送羽根R1bは、現像剤を後側から前側の第1搬送方向Yaに搬送するために前記後側流入部E2から前側流入部E1にかけて設けられている。前記逆搬送羽根R1cは前記現像剤排出口3a1付近に設けられており、現像剤を攪拌搬送羽根R1bの搬送方向の逆方向に搬送することによって、現像剤を第1攪拌室6から第2攪拌室7に流入させている。前記回転軸R1aは前記前側接続部3の左部3aの前面壁と前記現像容器本体1の後面壁によって回転自由に支持されており、回転軸R1aの後端部、すなわち、図4の−X側端部にはギアG1が固定されている。   3 and 4, the first stirring chamber 6 and the second stirring chamber 7 are provided with a first stirring member R1 and a second stirring member R2 that convey the developer while stirring. In FIG. 4, the first stirring member R1 has a first rotating shaft R1a extending in the axial direction of the developing roller R0, and a stirring and conveying blade R1b and a reverse conveying blade R1c fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft R1a. is doing. The agitating / conveying blade R1b is provided from the rear inflow portion E2 to the front inflow portion E1 in order to convey the developer from the rear side to the front first conveyance direction Ya. The reverse conveying blade R1c is provided in the vicinity of the developer discharge port 3a1, and the developer is conveyed from the first agitation chamber 6 to the second agitation by conveying the developer in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the agitation conveying blade R1b. It flows into the chamber 7. The rotary shaft R1a is rotatably supported by the front wall of the left portion 3a of the front connection portion 3 and the rear wall of the developer container body 1, and the rear end portion of the rotary shaft R1a, that is, -X in FIG. A gear G1 is fixed to the side end.

また、前記第2攪拌部材R2も、第2回転軸R2aおよび攪拌搬送羽根R2bおよび逆搬送羽根R2cとを有している。前記攪拌搬送羽根R2bは現像剤を前側から後側の第2搬送方向Ybに搬送するために前記補給口3b1から後側流入部E2にかけて設けられている。図4において、前記逆搬送羽根R1cは前記後側流入部E2の後端側に設けられており、現像剤を攪拌搬送羽根R2bの搬送方向の逆方向に搬送することによって、現像剤を第2攪拌室7から第1攪拌室6に流入させている。前記第2回転軸R2aは前側接続部3の右部3bの前面壁と現像容器本体1の後面壁によって回転自由に支持され、後端部にギアG2が固着されている。   The second agitating member R2 also has a second rotating shaft R2a, an agitating and conveying blade R2b, and a reverse conveying blade R2c. The agitating / conveying blade R2b is provided from the replenishing port 3b1 to the rear inflow portion E2 in order to convey the developer in the second conveying direction Yb from the front side to the rear side. In FIG. 4, the reverse conveying blade R1c is provided on the rear end side of the rear inflow portion E2, and the developer is transported in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the agitating and conveying blade R2b, whereby the developer is secondly supplied. The first stirring chamber 6 is caused to flow from the stirring chamber 7. The second rotation axis R2a is rotatably supported by the front wall of the right part 3b of the front connection part 3 and the rear wall of the developing container body 1, and a gear G2 is fixed to the rear end part.

図4において、前記ロール軸R0aのギアG0は第1回転軸R1aのギアG1と噛合っており、ギアG1は前記第2回転軸R2aのギアG2と噛合っている。前記ギアG0は、図示しない現像装置駆動源の一例としての現像装置用モータの回転力が伝達されており、前記モータによってギアG0が回転すると、ギアG1はギアG0と逆方向に回転し、前記ギアG1とギアG2は互いに逆方向に回転する。即ち、前記ギアG1及びギアG2と一体に回転する第1攪拌部材R1及び第2攪拌部材R2は互いに逆方向に回転する。したがって、前記第1攪拌部材R1及び第2攪拌部材R2の回転によって、前記第1攪拌室6及び第2攪拌室7の中の現像剤は互いに逆方向に搬送され循環している。
前記現像容器V、現像ロールR0、第1攪拌部材R1および第2攪拌部材R2等によって現像装置Gyが構成されている。
In FIG. 4, the gear G0 of the roll shaft R0a meshes with the gear G1 of the first rotation shaft R1a, and the gear G1 meshes with the gear G2 of the second rotation shaft R2a. The gear G0 receives the rotational force of a developing device motor as an example of a developing device drive source (not shown). When the gear G0 is rotated by the motor, the gear G1 rotates in the opposite direction to the gear G0. The gear G1 and the gear G2 rotate in opposite directions. That is, the first stirring member R1 and the second stirring member R2 that rotate together with the gear G1 and the gear G2 rotate in opposite directions. Accordingly, the developer in the first stirring chamber 6 and the second stirring chamber 7 is conveyed and circulated in opposite directions by the rotation of the first stirring member R1 and the second stirring member R2.
A developing device Gy is constituted by the developing container V, the developing roll R0, the first stirring member R1, the second stirring member R2, and the like.

(層厚規制部材の説明)
図5は、実施例1の現像ロールにおける磁束密度の分布を示す図である。
図6は実施例1の現像ロールや層厚規制部材どうしの軸方向の長さ関係を説明する図であり、図3のVI−VI線断面図である。
図7は実施例1の現像ロールにおける磁束密度の法線方向成分および接線方向成分の説明図である。
図3、図5、図6において、前記層厚規制部材SKに対して、現像スリーブ9回転方向上流側には、上流側層厚規制部材11が支持されている。前記上流側層厚規制部材11は、層厚規制部材SKに大量の現像剤が突入することを防止するために、ピックアップ磁極S3で現像スリーブ9表面に付着した現像剤の層厚を予め所定量に規制する。
(Description of layer thickness regulating member)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the distribution of magnetic flux density in the developing roll of Example 1.
6 is a diagram for explaining the axial length relationship between the developing roll and the layer thickness regulating member of Example 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a normal direction component and a tangential direction component of magnetic flux density in the developing roll of Example 1.
3, 5, and 6, the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11 is supported on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 9 with respect to the layer thickness regulating member SK. In order to prevent a large amount of developer from entering the layer thickness regulating member SK, the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11 has a predetermined layer thickness of the developer adhered to the surface of the developing sleeve 9 by the pickup magnetic pole S3. To regulate.

図3、図5において、前記層厚規制部材SKと上流側層厚規制部材11との間には、層厚規制部材SKで規制された現像剤が滞留する規制現像剤収容空間12が形成されている。前記上流側層厚規制部材11の下端と現像容器1の壁面との間には、規制現像剤収容空間12の現像剤が第1撹拌室6に流入する際に通過する開口12aが、現像ロールR0の軸方向に形成されている。また、図6において、前記上流側層厚規制部材11は、現像ロールR0の軸方向に対して現像ロールR0および層厚規制部材SKよりも短く形成されており、軸方向両端部において、現像容器1の壁面と上流側層厚規制部材11の両端部との間には端部開口12bが形成されている。
前記上流側層厚規制部材11の開口12a側には、前後方向、すなわち現像ロールR0の軸方向に延びる開口規制部材13が支持されている。前記開口規制部材13は、薄膜状の可撓性のある弾性部材、いわゆるフィルム部材により構成されており、開口規制部材13には、前後方向に所定の間隔をあけて切り込み部13aが形成されている。すなわち、前記開口形成部材13は暖簾状に形成されている。
3 and 5, a regulated developer containing space 12 in which the developer regulated by the layer thickness regulating member SK stays is formed between the layer thickness regulating member SK and the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11. ing. Between the lower end of the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11 and the wall surface of the developing container 1, an opening 12 a through which the developer in the regulated developer containing space 12 flows into the first stirring chamber 6 is provided as a developing roll. It is formed in the axial direction of R0. In FIG. 6, the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11 is formed shorter than the developing roll R0 and the layer thickness regulating member SK with respect to the axial direction of the developing roll R0. An end opening 12 b is formed between one wall surface and both end portions of the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11.
On the opening 12a side of the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11, an opening regulating member 13 extending in the front-rear direction, that is, in the axial direction of the developing roll R0 is supported. The opening restricting member 13 is formed of a thin film-like flexible elastic member, a so-called film member, and the opening restricting member 13 has a cut portion 13a formed at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction. Yes. That is, the opening forming member 13 is formed in a warm shape.

図7において、実施例1では、現像ロールR0の磁石ロール8では、各磁極N1,N2,S1,S2,S3の磁束密度は、それぞれ、図7に示すように磁束密度の法線方向成分N1a,N2a,S1a,S2a,S3aを有する。また、各磁極N1,N2,S1,S2,S3により、それぞれの磁極N1,N2,S1,S2,S3間には、磁束密度の接線方向成分N1b,N2b,S1b,S2b,S3bが発生する。そして、前記上流側層厚規制部材11および開口規制部材13は、ピックアップ磁極S3の磁束密度の法線方向成分S3aが最大の位置S3cよりも現像スリーブ9の回転方向下流側に配置され、且つ、層厚規制磁極N2の磁束密度の法線方向成分N2aが最大の位置N2cよりも現像スリーブ9の回転方向上流側に配置されている。特に、実施例1の上流側層厚規制部材11および開口規制部材13は、前記位置S3cの下流側且つ位置N2aの上流側の内側の範囲に設定されており、ピックアップ磁極S3の磁束密度の法線方向成分S3aとピックアップ磁極S3−層厚規制磁極N2間の磁束密度の接線方向成分S3bとが同一の値となる位置S3dの下流側に配置されると共に、層厚規制磁極N2の磁束密度の法線方向成分N2aとピックアップ磁極S3−層厚規制磁極N2間の接線方向成分S3bとが同一の値となる位置N2dの上流側に配置されている。   7, in Example 1, in the magnet roll 8 of the developing roll R0, the magnetic flux densities of the magnetic poles N1, N2, S1, S2, and S3 are respectively normal component N1a of the magnetic flux density as shown in FIG. , N2a, S1a, S2a, S3a. In addition, magnetic poles N1, N2, S1, S2, and S3 generate magnetic flux density tangential components N1b, N2b, S1b, S2b, and S3b between the magnetic poles N1, N2, S1, S2, and S3. The upstream side layer thickness regulating member 11 and the opening regulating member 13 are arranged on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 9 from the position S3c where the normal direction component S3a of the magnetic flux density of the pickup magnetic pole S3 is maximum, and A normal direction component N2a of the magnetic flux density of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole N2 is disposed upstream of the maximum position N2c in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 9. In particular, the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11 and the aperture regulating member 13 of the first embodiment are set in the range downstream of the position S3c and upstream of the position N2a, and the magnetic flux density method of the pickup magnetic pole S3 is used. The linear component S3a and the pickup magnetic pole S3—the magnetic flux density tangential component S3b between the magnetic pole density N2 and the tangential component S3b are arranged downstream of the position S3d, and the magnetic flux density of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole N2 The normal direction component N2a and the tangential direction component S3b between the pickup magnetic pole S3 and the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole N2 are disposed upstream of the position N2d where the same value is obtained.

(実施例1の作用)
図8は実施例1の作用説明図であり、図8Aは上流側層厚規制部材による現像剤の規制の説明図、図8Bは規制現像剤収容空間の現像剤が所定の範囲内の場合の説明図、図8Cは規制現像剤収容空間の現像剤が過剰になった場合の説明図である。
前記構成を備えた実施例1の画像形成装置Uでは、現像が実行される際に、ピックアップ磁極S3により吸着された現像剤は、図8Aに示すように、層厚規制部材SKに到達する前に、上流側層厚規制部材11により通過可能な所定量に規制される。このとき、実施例1では上流側層厚規制部材11は、ピックアップ磁極S3の磁束密度の法線方向成分が最大の位置S3c、すなわち、現像剤を吸着する力が最も大きな位置からずれた下流側の位置で規制しており、規制された現像剤が第1撹拌室6に戻らずに、ピックアップ磁極S3により直ぐに現像スリーブ9に再吸着されることが低減される。特に、法線方向成分S3aよりも接線方向成分S3bのほうが大きくなる位置S3dよりも下流側に設定されており、規制された現像剤が現像スリーブ9に再付着しにくく、第1撹拌室6に落下しやすく、上流側層厚規制部材11の近傍に現像剤が滞留することが低減される。
(Operation of Example 1)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first embodiment, FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the regulation of the developer by the upstream layer thickness regulating member, and FIG. 8B is a case where the developer in the regulated developer containing space is within a predetermined range. FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram when the developer in the restricted developer accommodating space becomes excessive.
In the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the developer adsorbed by the pickup magnetic pole S3 when the development is performed, before reaching the layer thickness regulating member SK, as shown in FIG. 8A. Furthermore, the upstream side layer thickness regulating member 11 regulates the amount to pass through. At this time, in the first embodiment, the upstream side layer thickness regulating member 11 is located downstream of the position S3c where the normal component of the magnetic flux density of the pickup magnetic pole S3 is the maximum, that is, the position where the force that attracts the developer is the largest. The regulated developer is not returned to the first agitating chamber 6 and is not immediately re-adsorbed to the developing sleeve 9 by the pickup magnetic pole S3. In particular, it is set on the downstream side of the position S3d where the tangential direction component S3b is larger than the normal direction component S3a, and the regulated developer is less likely to reattach to the developing sleeve 9, and the first stirring chamber 6 It is easy to fall, and the stay of the developer near the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11 is reduced.

前記上流側層厚規制部材11を通過した現像剤は、層厚規制部材SKで層厚が所定の厚さに揃えられ、現像領域Q2に搬送される。前記層厚規制部材SKで規制された現像剤は、規制現像剤収容空間12に収容される。図8Bにおいて、規制現像剤収容空間12に収容された現像剤は、大部分は滞留し、一部は、端部開口12bや、開口規制部材13と現像容器1の壁面との隙間から第1撹拌室6に少しずつ戻され、規制現像剤収容空間12内部の現像剤量が調整される。前記規制現像剤収容空間12に滞留した現像剤は、現像剤の量に応じて、層厚規制部材SKに圧力が作用し、形成される層厚に影響を与える。そして、前記規制現像剤収容空間12に収容された現像剤の量が多くなり、圧力が過剰になると、弾性部材により構成された開口規制部材13が弾性変形し、開口規制部材13と現像容器1の壁面との隙間、すなわち開口12aが広がり、規制現像剤収容空間12から第1撹拌室6に多くの現像剤が戻され、規制現像剤収容空間12内部の圧力が所定量に調整される。   The developer that has passed through the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11 is adjusted to a predetermined thickness by the layer thickness regulating member SK, and is conveyed to the development region Q2. The developer regulated by the layer thickness regulating member SK is accommodated in the regulated developer accommodating space 12. In FIG. 8B, most of the developer stored in the restricted developer containing space 12 stays, and a part of the developer is first from the end opening 12 b and the gap between the opening restricting member 13 and the wall surface of the developing container 1. The amount is returned to the stirring chamber 6 little by little, and the amount of developer in the regulated developer accommodating space 12 is adjusted. The developer staying in the restricted developer accommodating space 12 acts on the layer thickness restricting member SK according to the amount of the developer, and affects the formed layer thickness. When the amount of developer stored in the restricted developer containing space 12 increases and the pressure becomes excessive, the opening restricting member 13 formed of an elastic member is elastically deformed, and the opening restricting member 13 and the developing container 1 are elastically deformed. The opening 12a is widened, and a large amount of developer is returned from the restricted developer containing space 12 to the first stirring chamber 6, and the pressure inside the restricted developer containing space 12 is adjusted to a predetermined amount.

よって、実施例1では、層厚規制部材SKで規制され、層厚規制部材SKと上流側層厚規制部材11との間の空間12に収容された現像剤について、現像剤量が過剰になり、現像剤による圧力が大きくなっても、開口規制部材13により通過量が調整され、収容された現像剤の圧力が所定の圧力に保持される。これにより、規制現像剤収容空間12内部の現像剤量が所定の量に調整され、現像装置Gy〜Gkの使用開始から、規制現像剤収容空間12内部の圧力の経時的な変動が低減される。すなわち、層厚規制部材SKが受ける力が経時的に安定し、層厚規制部材SKにより現像スリーブ9表面に形成される現像剤の層厚の経時的な変動が低減される。   Therefore, in Example 1, the developer amount is excessive for the developer regulated by the layer thickness regulating member SK and accommodated in the space 12 between the layer thickness regulating member SK and the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11. Even when the pressure by the developer increases, the passage amount is adjusted by the opening regulating member 13, and the pressure of the stored developer is maintained at a predetermined pressure. As a result, the amount of developer inside the regulated developer accommodating space 12 is adjusted to a predetermined amount, and the temporal change in the pressure inside the regulated developer containing space 12 is reduced from the start of use of the developing devices Gy to Gk. . That is, the force received by the layer thickness regulating member SK is stabilized with time, and the variation with time of the layer thickness of the developer formed on the surface of the developing sleeve 9 by the layer thickness regulating member SK is reduced.

また、実施例1の開口規制部材13では、切込部13aが形成されており、前後方向に対して、切込部13aで挟まれた部分について、弾性変形する部分としない部分とを発生させることが可能な構成となっている。すなわち、前記規制現像剤収容空間12において、前後方向で圧力のばらつきがあった場合に、圧力が課題になった領域に対応する切込部13aで挟まれた部分だけ弾性変形し、圧力のばらつきも補正される。
すなわち、実施例1の画像形成装置Uでは、層厚規制部材SKに作用する圧力を安定させることができ、経時的に層厚の変動が低減され、層厚の変動による画像濃度の変動や飛び散り、白抜け等の画質の低下も低減される。
Moreover, in the opening control member 13 of Example 1, the notch part 13a is formed, and the part which is not elastically deformed about the part pinched by the notch part 13a with respect to the front-rear direction is generated. The configuration is possible. That is, in the regulated developer accommodating space 12, when there is a variation in pressure in the front-rear direction, only the portion sandwiched by the notch 13a corresponding to the region where the pressure is a problem is elastically deformed, and the pressure variation Is also corrected.
In other words, in the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment, the pressure acting on the layer thickness regulating member SK can be stabilized, the variation in the layer thickness is reduced with time, and the variation or scattering of the image density due to the variation in the layer thickness. In addition, deterioration in image quality such as white spots is reduced.

(実験例)
次に、実施例1の画像形成装置Uの機能を確認するための実験を行った。
(実験例1)
実験例1では、富士ゼロックス株式会社製のDCC450に実施例1の構成を適用して、現像装置Gy〜Gkの駆動時間、すなわち、現像スリーブ9の回転時間をと、層厚規制されて現像領域Q2y〜Q2kに搬送された現像剤の単位面積当りの量との関係を測定した。実験例1では、回転時間が、0分、すなわち使用開始直後と、60分、120分、180分経過時に測定した。また、測定は、現像スリーブ9の軸方向前端部、中央部、左端部で測定した。
(Experimental example)
Next, an experiment for confirming the function of the image forming apparatus U of Example 1 was performed.
(Experimental example 1)
In Experimental Example 1, the structure of Example 1 is applied to DCC450 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., and the developing time of the developing devices Gy to Gk, that is, the rotational time of the developing sleeve 9, is controlled by the layer thickness. The relationship with the amount per unit area of the developer conveyed to Q2y to Q2k was measured. In Experimental Example 1, the rotation time was measured at 0 minute, that is, immediately after the start of use, and after 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 180 minutes had elapsed. Further, the measurement was performed at the front end, the center, and the left end of the developing sleeve 9 in the axial direction.

(比較例1)
図9は比較例1の説明図である。
図9において、比較例1では、実施例1の上流側層厚規制部材11および開口規制部材13が省略された従来の現像装置Gy〜Gkを使用した。比較例1では、回転時間が、0分、60分、120分時に測定した以外は、実験例1と同様にして行った。
(Comparative Example 1)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the first comparative example.
In FIG. 9, in Comparative Example 1, conventional developing devices Gy to Gk in which the upstream layer thickness regulating member 11 and the opening regulating member 13 of Example 1 are omitted are used. In Comparative Example 1, the same procedure as in Experimental Example 1 was performed except that the rotation time was measured at 0 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes.

(実験結果)
図10は実験例の実験結果の説明図であり、図10Aは実験例1の実験結果、図10Bは比較例1の実験結果の説明図である。
なお、図10では、横軸に回転時間を取り、縦軸に単位面積あたりの現像剤量を取った。
図10Aにおいて、実験例1では、経時的に、測定される現像剤の量、すなわち、層厚規制部材SKの位置を通過した現像剤の量が多くなるが、両端部や中央部のいずれにおいても、10%以下に抑えられている。
これに対して、図10Bにおいて、比較例1では、経時的に測定される現像剤の量が多くなり、現像剤量が20%近く多くなり、画像形成に悪影響が発生しやすくなっている。すなわち、比較例1では図9に示すように、現像スリーブ9表面に吸着して現像剤が上流側から搬送されたり、層厚規制部材SKで規制された現像剤が磁石ロール8の磁力で引きつけられて滞留し、層厚規制部材SKで規制された現像剤が第1撹拌室6に戻ろうとする流れが妨げられ、圧力が過大になり、層厚が変動するものと推定される。
(Experimental result)
10 is an explanatory diagram of the experimental results of the experimental example, FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of the experimental results of the experimental example 1, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of the experimental results of the comparative example 1.
In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents the rotation time, and the vertical axis represents the developer amount per unit area.
In FIG. 10A, in Experimental Example 1, the amount of developer measured over time, that is, the amount of developer that has passed through the position of the layer thickness regulating member SK increases. Is also suppressed to 10% or less.
On the other hand, in FIG. 10B, in Comparative Example 1, the amount of developer measured with time increases, and the amount of developer increases by nearly 20%, which tends to adversely affect image formation. That is, in Comparative Example 1, as shown in FIG. 9, the developer is attracted to the surface of the developing sleeve 9 and conveyed from the upstream side, or the developer regulated by the layer thickness regulating member SK is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet roll 8. Therefore, it is estimated that the flow of the developer that has been retained and restricted by the layer thickness regulating member SK to return to the first stirring chamber 6 is hindered, the pressure becomes excessive, and the layer thickness fluctuates.

次に、本発明の実施例2の説明を行うが、この実施例2の説明において、前記実施例1の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例2は、下記の点で前記実施例1と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1と同様に構成されている。
図11は実施例1の図6に対応する実施例2の現像装置の説明図であり、現像ロールや層厚規制部材、上流側層厚規制部材の軸方向の長さ関係を説明する図である。
図11において、実施例2の現像装置Gyでは、開口規制部材13′の切り込み部13a′が、第1現像剤搬送方向Yaの下流側に傾斜して形成されている。
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device according to the second embodiment corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating the axial length relationship among the developing roll, the layer thickness regulating member, and the upstream layer thickness regulating member. is there.
In FIG. 11, in the developing device Gy according to the second embodiment, the cut portion 13 a ′ of the opening restricting member 13 ′ is formed to be inclined toward the downstream side in the first developer transport direction Ya.

(実施例2の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例2の画像形成装置Uでは、規制現像剤収容室12に収容された現像剤による圧力が過大になった場合に、開口規制部材13′が弾性変形して現像剤が第1撹拌室6に流出する。このとき、第1現像剤搬送方向Yaの下流側に傾斜した切り込み部13a′により、開口規制部材13′を通過する現像剤は、第1現像剤搬送方向Ya下流側に搬送される。すなわち、下流側に搬送しない場合に比べて、規制現像剤収容室12で滞留し、撹拌が不十分な現像剤が、繰り返し第1撹拌室6から現像ロールR0に供給されることが低減される。
(Operation of Example 2)
In the image forming apparatus U according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the pressure by the developer stored in the restricted developer containing chamber 12 becomes excessive, the opening restricting member 13 ′ is elastically deformed and the developer is removed. It flows out into the first stirring chamber 6. At this time, the developer passing through the opening restricting member 13 ′ is transported downstream in the first developer transport direction Ya by the notch 13a ′ inclined to the downstream side in the first developer transport direction Ya. That is, as compared with a case where the developer is not transported downstream, it is reduced that the developer staying in the regulated developer storage chamber 12 and insufficiently stirred is repeatedly supplied from the first stirring chamber 6 to the developing roll R0. .

次に、本発明の実施例3の説明を行うが、この実施例3の説明において、前記実施例1、2の構成要素に対応する構成要素には同一の符号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
この実施例3は、下記の点で前記実施例1と相違しているが、他の点では前記実施例1、2と同様に構成されている。
図12は実施例1の図6に対応する実施例3の現像装置の説明図であり、現像ロールや層厚規制部材、上流側層厚規制部材の軸方向の長さ関係を説明する図である。
図12において、実施例3の現像装置Gyでは、開口規制部材13″の切り込み部13a″は、実施例2の切り込み部13a′と同様に第1現像剤搬送方向Yaの下流側に傾斜して形成されている。また、実施例3の切り込み部13a″は、実施例1、2の切り込み部13a,13a′と異なり、第1搬送方向Yaの下流側に行くほど、切り込み部13a″どうしの間隔が狭くなるように設定されている。
Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components of the first and second embodiments, and the detailed description thereof will be made. Description is omitted.
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured similarly to the first and second embodiments in other points.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device of the third embodiment corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the axial length relationship among the developing roll, the layer thickness regulating member, and the upstream layer thickness regulating member. is there.
In FIG. 12, in the developing device Gy of Example 3, the cut portion 13 a ″ of the opening regulating member 13 ″ is inclined to the downstream side in the first developer transport direction Ya in the same manner as the cut portion 13 a ′ of the second embodiment. Is formed. Further, unlike the notches 13a and 13a ′ of the first and second embodiments, the notch 13a ″ of the third embodiment is configured such that the interval between the notches 13a ″ becomes narrower toward the downstream side in the first transport direction Ya. Is set to

(実施例3の作用)
前記構成を備えた実施例3の画像形成装置Uでは、規制現像剤収容室12から流出する現像剤が、弾性変形する開口規制部材13″を通過する際に、切り込み部13a″で下流側ほど搬送力が大きく設定されている。すなわち、第1現像剤搬送方向Yaの下流側で第1撹拌室6に戻される現像剤ほど、下流側に搬送されやすく、撹拌されやすい。
(Operation of Example 3)
In the image forming apparatus U according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the developer flowing out from the restricted developer containing chamber 12 passes through the opening restricting member 13 ″ that is elastically deformed, the downstream side is closer to the cut portion 13a ″. The conveyance force is set large. That is, the developer returned to the first stirring chamber 6 on the downstream side in the first developer transport direction Ya is more easily transported to the downstream side and is more easily stirred.

(変更例)
以上、本発明の実施例を詳述したが、本発明は、前記実施例に限定されるものではなく、特許請求の範囲に記載された本発明の要旨の範囲内で、種々の変更を行うことが可能である。本発明の変更例(H01)〜(H07)を下記に例示する。
(H01)前記実施例において、画像形成装置としての複写機を例示したが、これに限定されず、FAXやプリンタあるいはこれらすべてまたは複数の機能を備えた複合機とすることも可能である。また、4色分の像保持体PRy〜PRkおよび現像装置Gy〜Gk、潜像形成装置LHy〜LHkを有する画像形成装置を例示したが、これに限定されず、単色の画像形成装置や、像保持体および潜像形成装置が1つで4つの現像装置が回転して順次像保持体に対向する回転式の画像形成装置にも適用可能である。
(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H07) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the copying machine as the image forming apparatus has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a FAX, a printer, or a multifunction machine having all or a plurality of functions may be used. Further, although the image forming apparatus having the image holders PRy to PRk for four colors, the developing devices Gy to Gk, and the latent image forming devices LHy to LHk has been illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single color image forming device or image The present invention can also be applied to a rotary image forming apparatus in which one holding body and latent image forming apparatus are provided and four developing devices rotate and sequentially face the image holding body.

(H02)前記実施例において、現像ロールの層厚規制を行う場合に、現像ロールの重力方向下方に層厚規制部材および上流側層厚規制部材を配置したが、これに限定されず、現像装置の構成により、現像ロールが図3と比べて逆方向に回転する構成の場合、現像ロールの重力方向上側に層厚規制部材および上流側層厚規制部材を配置することも可能である。
(H03)前記実施例において、開口規制部材13として、可撓性のある弾性部材の一例として、フィルム状の部材を例示し、製造工程、費用の面からこの構成が望ましいが、これに限定されず、開口を通じた現像剤の流量を調整可能な任意の構成を採用可能である。例えば、内部の圧力を測定して、圧力に応じて昇降して開口の高さを調整する板状部材により構成することも可能である。
(H02) In the above embodiment, when the layer thickness of the developing roll is regulated, the layer thickness regulating member and the upstream layer thickness regulating member are arranged below the developing roll in the gravity direction. With this configuration, when the developing roll is configured to rotate in the opposite direction compared to FIG. 3, it is also possible to dispose the layer thickness regulating member and the upstream layer thickness regulating member above the developing roll in the gravitational direction.
(H03) In the above embodiment, as the opening restricting member 13, a film-like member is illustrated as an example of a flexible elastic member, and this configuration is desirable from the viewpoint of manufacturing process and cost, but it is limited to this. It is possible to adopt any configuration that can adjust the flow rate of the developer through the opening. For example, it may be configured by a plate-like member that measures the internal pressure and moves up and down according to the pressure to adjust the height of the opening.

(H04)前記実施例において、切り込み部13a、13a′、13a″を形成することが望ましいが、これらを省略することも可能である。また、開口規制部材13を切り込み部により暖簾状に形成する場合を例示したが、これに限定されず、例えば、櫛歯状等、任意の形状とすることも可能である。
(H05)前記実施例において、上流側層厚規制部材を配置する位置と、各磁極との位置関係は、実施例記載の範囲が好ましいが、これに限定されず、層厚規制部材SKの上流側で、予備的に層厚が規制可能な任意の位置に配置可能である。
(H06)前記実施例において、上流側層厚規制部材は、実施例記載の設置角度が好ましいが、これに限定されず、層厚規制部材SKの上流側で、予備的に層厚が規制可能な任意の角度に配置可能である。
(H07)前記実施例において、上流側層厚規制部材は、実施例記載の現像ロールや層厚規制部材に対する軸方向長さ関係が好ましいが、これに限定されず、層厚規制部材SKの上流側で、予備的に層厚が規制可能な任意の軸方向長さに配置可能である
(H04) In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable to form the notches 13a, 13a ′, 13a ″, but it is possible to omit them. Further, the opening restricting member 13 is formed in a warm shape by the notches. Although the case was illustrated, it is not limited to this, For example, it can also be set as arbitrary shapes, such as a comb-tooth shape.
(H05) In the above embodiment, the positional relationship between the position where the upstream layer thickness regulating member is arranged and each magnetic pole is preferably within the range described in the embodiment, but is not limited to this, and the upstream of the layer thickness regulating member SK. On the side, it can be placed at any position where the layer thickness can be regulated in advance.
(H06) In the above-described embodiment, the upstream layer thickness regulating member preferably has the installation angle described in the embodiment, but is not limited thereto, and the layer thickness can be regulated preliminary on the upstream side of the layer thickness regulating member SK. It can be arranged at any angle.
(H07) In the above embodiment, the upstream layer thickness regulating member preferably has an axial length relationship with respect to the developing roll and the layer thickness regulating member described in the embodiment, but is not limited to this, and the upstream layer thickness regulating member is upstream of the layer thickness regulating member SK. Can be placed at any axial length that can preliminarily regulate the layer thickness

図1は本発明の画像形成装置の実施例1の正断面図である。FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 図2は本発明の実施例1の画像形成装置の要部拡大図である。FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図3は本発明の実施例1の現像装置の説明図である。FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図4は実施例2の現像装置の正断面説明図であり、図4Aは図3のIVA−IVA線断面図、図4Bは図4AのIVB−IVB線断面図である。4 is a front sectional view of the developing device of Example 2, FIG. 4A is a sectional view taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A. 図5は、実施例1の現像ロールにおける磁束密度の分布を示す図である。FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the distribution of magnetic flux density in the developing roll of Example 1. 図6は実施例1の現像ロールや層厚規制部材どうしの軸方向の長さ関係を説明する図であり、図3のVI−VI線断面図である。6 is a diagram for explaining the axial length relationship between the developing roll and the layer thickness regulating member of Example 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 図7は実施例1の現像ロールにおける磁束密度の法線方向成分および接線方向成分の説明図である。FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a normal direction component and a tangential direction component of magnetic flux density in the developing roll of Example 1. 図8は実施例1の作用説明図であり、図8Aは上流側層厚規制部材による現像剤の規制の説明図、図8Bは規制現像剤収容空間の現像剤が所定の範囲内の場合の説明図、図8Cは規制現像剤収容空間の現像剤が過剰になった場合の説明図である。FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first embodiment, FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the regulation of the developer by the upstream layer thickness regulating member, and FIG. 8B is a case where the developer in the regulated developer containing space is within a predetermined range. FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram when the developer in the restricted developer accommodating space becomes excessive. 図9は比較例1の説明図である。FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the first comparative example. 図10は実験例の実験結果の説明図であり、図10Aは実験例1の実験結果、図10Bは比較例1の実験結果の説明図である。10 is an explanatory diagram of the experimental results of the experimental example, FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of the experimental results of the experimental example 1, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of the experimental results of the comparative example 1. 図11は実施例1の図6に対応する実施例2の現像装置の説明図であり、現像ロールや層厚規制部材、上流側層厚規制部材の軸方向の長さ関係を説明する図である。FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device according to the second embodiment corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating the axial length relationship among the developing roll, the layer thickness regulating member, and the upstream layer thickness regulating member. is there. 図12は実施例1の図6に対応する実施例3の現像装置の説明図であり、現像ロールや層厚規制部材、上流側層厚規制部材の軸方向の長さ関係を説明する図である。FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the developing device of the third embodiment corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the axial length relationship among the developing roll, the layer thickness regulating member, and the upstream layer thickness regulating member. is there.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

9…現像剤保持体本体、
11…上流側層厚規制部材、
12a…開口、
13…開口規制部材、
13a,13a′,13a″…切り込み部、
F…定着装置、
Gy,Gm,Gc,Gk…現像装置、
N2…層厚規制磁極、
N2a…層厚規制磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分、
N2c…層厚規制磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分が最大の位置、
N2d…層厚規制磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分と接線方向成分とが同一の値となる位置、
PRy,PRm,PRc,PRk…像保持体、
R0…現像剤保持体、
R1…撹拌搬送部材、
S…媒体
S1…現像磁極、
S3…現像剤吸着磁極、
S3a…現像剤吸着磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分、
S3c…現像剤吸着磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分の最大の位置、
S3d…現像剤吸着磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分と接線方向成分とが同一の値となる位置、
SK…層厚規制部材、
T1y,T1m,T1c,T1k,T2…転写装置、
V…現像容器、
Ya…搬送方向。
9: Developer holding body,
11 ... Upstream layer thickness regulating member,
12a ... opening,
13 ... Opening restriction member
13a, 13a ', 13a "... notches,
F: Fixing device,
Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk ... developing device,
N2: Layer thickness regulating magnetic pole,
N2a: normal direction component of the magnetic flux density of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole,
N2c: position where the normal direction component of the magnetic flux density of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole is the maximum,
N2d: the position where the normal direction component and the tangential direction component of the magnetic flux density of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole have the same value,
PRy, PRm, PRc, PRk ... Image carrier,
R0: developer holder,
R1 ... stirring conveying member
S: Medium S1: Development magnetic pole,
S3: Developer adsorption magnetic pole,
S3a: Normal direction component of magnetic flux density of developer attracting magnetic pole,
S3c: Maximum position of the normal direction component of the magnetic flux density of the developer attracting magnetic pole,
S3d: A position where the normal direction component and the tangential direction component of the magnetic flux density of the developer attracting magnetic pole have the same value,
SK: Layer thickness regulating member,
T1y, T1m, T1c, T1k, T2 ... transfer device,
V: Developer container,
Ya: transport direction.

Claims (8)

現像剤が収容された現像容器と、
表面に現像剤を保持して回転する筒状の現像剤保持体本体と、前記現像剤保持体本体の内部に固定支持され且つ少なくとも現像磁極と前記現像磁極の現像剤保持体本体の回転方向上流側に配置された層厚規制磁極とを有する磁石部材と、を有し、前記現像容器内に配置された現像剤保持体と、
前記層厚規制磁極に対向して配置されて前記現像剤保持体本体表面に付着した現像剤の厚さを規制する層厚規制部材と、
前記層厚規制部材の前記現像剤保持体本体回転方向上流側に配置され、且つ、前記現像容器の壁面との間に現像剤通過用の開口をあけて配置された上流側層厚規制部材と、
前記層厚規制部材と前記上流側層厚規制部材と前記現像容器の壁面との間の空間に存在する現像剤が前記開口を通じて通過する通過量を、前記開口の広さを調節して規制する開口規制部材であって、前記空間に存在する現像剤の圧力が大きい場合に、前記空間に存在する現像剤の圧力が小さい場合に比べて、前記開口の広さが広い位置に移動する前記開口規制部材と、
を備えたことを特徴とする現像装置。
A developer container containing a developer;
A cylindrical developer holder main body that rotates while holding the developer on the surface, and is fixedly supported inside the developer holder main body, and at least the developing magnetic pole and the developing magnetic pole in the upstream direction of rotation of the developer holding main body A magnetic member having a layer thickness regulating magnetic pole disposed on the side, and a developer holder disposed in the developer container,
A layer thickness regulating member that is disposed to face the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole and regulates the thickness of the developer attached to the surface of the developer holder body;
An upstream layer thickness regulating member arranged upstream of the developer holding body of the layer thickness regulating member in the rotation direction and having an opening for passing a developer between the developer container and the wall surface of the developer container. When,
The amount of developer passing through the opening through the opening is regulated by adjusting the width of the opening, the layer thickness restricting member, the upstream layer thickness restricting member, and the wall surface of the developing container. The opening restricting member , wherein when the pressure of the developer existing in the space is large, the opening moves to a position where the width of the opening is wider than when the pressure of the developer existing in the space is small. A regulating member ;
A developing device comprising:
可撓性のある弾性部材により構成された前記開口規制部材、
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 opening restricting member configured by a flexible elastic member;
The developing device according to claim 1, further comprising:
前記現像剤保持体本体の軸方向に沿って、所定の間隔をあけて形成された複数の切り込み部を有する前記開口規制部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする請求項1または2に記載の現像装置。
The opening restriction member having a plurality of cut portions formed at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the developer holding body.
The developing device according to claim 1, further comprising:
前記現像容器内に前記現像剤保持体に並行して配置され、前記現像剤保持体に供給される現像剤を撹拌しながら搬送する撹拌搬送部材と、
前記現像容器内に配置され、前記現像剤保持体が収容される現像剤保持体収容室と、
前記現像剤保持体収容室に対して斜め下方に隣接して配置され、前記攪拌搬送部材が収容される攪拌室と、
前記攪拌室の現像剤を吸着して表面に保持する前記現像剤保持体と、
前記現像剤保持体収容室と前記攪拌室との間に配置されて、前記現像剤保持体収容室と前記攪拌室とを接続し且つ前記層厚規制部材に規制された現像剤が前記攪拌室に向かって通過可能な前記開口と、
重力方向下側に行くに連れて前記撹拌搬送部材の搬送方向下流側に傾斜する前記切り込み部と、
を備えたことを特徴とする請求項3に記載の現像装置。
An agitating and conveying member that is arranged in parallel to the developer holder in the developer container and conveys the developer supplied to the developer holder while stirring;
A developer holder housing chamber disposed in the developer container and containing the developer holder;
An agitating chamber that is disposed obliquely below and adjacent to the developer holding body accommodating chamber, and in which the agitating and conveying member is accommodated;
The developer holder for adsorbing the developer in the stirring chamber and holding it on the surface;
The developer that is disposed between the developer holding body storage chamber and the stirring chamber, connects the developer holding body storage chamber and the stirring chamber, and is regulated by the layer thickness regulating member is the stirring chamber. The opening that can pass toward
The incision portion that inclines toward the downstream side in the transport direction of the stirring transport member as it goes downward in the direction of gravity,
The developing device according to claim 3, further comprising:
前記撹拌搬送部材の搬送方向に対して、上流側における前記切り込み部どうしの間隔に比べて、下流側における前記切り込み部どうしの間隔を狭くしたことを特徴とする請求項4に記載の現像装置。   The developing device according to claim 4, wherein an interval between the cut portions on the downstream side is narrower than an interval between the cut portions on the upstream side with respect to the conveyance direction of the agitating and conveying member. 前記層厚規制磁極の前記現像剤保持体本体の回転方向上流側に配置された現像剤吸着磁極を有する前記磁石部材と、
前記現像剤吸着磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分が最大の位置よりも前記現像剤保持体本体の回転方向下流側に配置され、且つ、前記層厚規制磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分が最大の位置よりも前記現像剤保持体本体の回転方向上流側に配置された前記上流側層厚規制部材と、
を備えたことを特徴とする請求項1ないし5のいずれかに記載の現像装置。
The magnet member having a developer attracting magnetic pole disposed on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer holding body of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole;
The normal component of the magnetic flux density of the developer-adsorbing magnetic pole is disposed downstream of the maximum position of the developer holder body in the rotation direction of the developer holding body, and the normal component of the magnetic flux density of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole is The upstream layer thickness regulating member disposed on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developer holder body from the maximum position;
The developing device according to claim 1, further comprising:
前記現像剤保持体本体の外表面の磁束密度において、前記現像剤吸着磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分と、前記現像剤吸着磁極および前記層厚規制磁極間の磁束密度の接線方向成分とが同一の値となる位置の下流側に配置されると共に、前記層厚規制磁極の磁束密度の法線方向成分と、前記現像剤吸着磁極および前記層厚規制磁極間の磁束密度の接線方向成分とが同一の値となる位置の上流側に配置された前記上流側層厚規制部材、
を備えたことを特徴とする請求項6に記載の現像装置。
In the magnetic flux density on the outer surface of the developer holding body, the normal direction component of the magnetic flux density of the developer attracting magnetic pole and the tangential component of the magnetic flux density between the developer attracting magnetic pole and the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole are A magnetic flux density normal component of the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole and a tangential component of the magnetic flux density between the developer attracting magnetic pole and the layer thickness regulating magnetic pole. The upstream layer thickness regulating member disposed upstream of the position where the same value is obtained,
The developing device according to claim 6, further comprising:
表面に潜像が形成される像保持体と、
前記像保持体表面の潜像を可視像に現像する請求項1ないし7のいずれかに記載の現像装置と、
前記像保持体表面の可視像を媒体に転写する転写装置と、
前記媒体に転写された可視像を定着する定着装置と、
を備えたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。
An image carrier on which a latent image is formed on the surface;
The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which develops a latent image on the surface of the image carrier into a visible image;
A transfer device for transferring a visible image on the surface of the image carrier to a medium;
A fixing device for fixing the visible image transferred to the medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
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