JP5975630B2 - Development device - Google Patents

Development device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP5975630B2
JP5975630B2 JP2011268281A JP2011268281A JP5975630B2 JP 5975630 B2 JP5975630 B2 JP 5975630B2 JP 2011268281 A JP2011268281 A JP 2011268281A JP 2011268281 A JP2011268281 A JP 2011268281A JP 5975630 B2 JP5975630 B2 JP 5975630B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
developer
developing device
spiral blade
unit
supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP2011268281A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2013120288A (en
Inventor
岩田　尚也
尚也 岩田
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority to JP2011268281A priority Critical patent/JP5975630B2/en
Priority to KR1020120136555A priority patent/KR101908666B1/en
Priority to US13/706,967 priority patent/US8837991B2/en
Priority to CN201210524619.3A priority patent/CN103149814B/en
Publication of JP2013120288A publication Critical patent/JP2013120288A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP5975630B2 publication Critical patent/JP5975630B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0887—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity
    • G03G15/0891—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity for conveying or circulating developer, e.g. augers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/08—Details of powder developing device not concerning the development directly
    • G03G2215/0802—Arrangements for agitating or circulating developer material
    • G03G2215/0816—Agitator type
    • G03G2215/0819—Agitator type two or more agitators
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/08—Details of powder developing device not concerning the development directly
    • G03G2215/0802—Arrangements for agitating or circulating developer material
    • G03G2215/0816—Agitator type
    • G03G2215/0827—Augers
    • G03G2215/083—Augers with two opposed pitches on one shaft

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)

Description

本発明は、電子写真方式を利用した画像形成装置に用いられる現像装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a developing device used in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system.

電子写真方式を利用した画像形成装置は、ディジタル方式の複写機やプリンタなどに適用され、一様に帯電させた感光体ドラムの外周面を露光して形成された静電潜像をトナーによって現像することにより、可視化されたトナー像を形成し、記録媒体に転写して定着させる装置である。このような画像形成装置では、例えば、トナーとキャリアとからなる２成分現像剤が使用され、現像装置における現像剤担持体を介して、帯電したトナーを感光体ドラムの外周面に付着させることにより、静電潜像の現像が行われる。   An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is applied to a digital copying machine or printer, and develops an electrostatic latent image formed by exposing the outer peripheral surface of a uniformly charged photosensitive drum with toner. Thus, a visualized toner image is formed, transferred to a recording medium, and fixed. In such an image forming apparatus, for example, a two-component developer composed of toner and a carrier is used, and the charged toner is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum via the developer carrier in the developing apparatus. The electrostatic latent image is developed.

上記現像装置に、例えば、現像剤中のトナーを搬送しながら撹拌して摩擦帯電させる撹拌搬送部と、帯電したトナーを搬送しながら現像剤担持体に供給する供給搬送部とが設けられる。これらの撹拌搬送部、および供給搬送部は、例えば水平方向に並ぶように配置される場合もあるほか、上下方向に並ぶように配置される場合もある。撹拌搬送部と供給搬送部とが上下に配置された現像装置では、例えば、現像剤は、搬送スクリュによって撹拌搬送部の端部まで搬送されると、その搬送圧力により上方に持ち上げられて供給搬送部に受け渡されるようになっている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。また、上下に配置された撹拌搬送部と供給搬送部との間で現像剤の受け渡しを容易にするために、磁力によって現像剤を上方に持ち上げる技術も知られている（例えば、特許文献２参照）。   The developing device includes, for example, an agitation conveyance unit that agitates and frictionally charges while conveying toner in the developer, and a supply conveyance unit that supplies the charged toner to the developer carrying member while conveying the charged toner. For example, the agitation transport unit and the supply transport unit may be arranged in a horizontal direction, or may be arranged in a vertical direction. In the developing device in which the agitation conveyance unit and the supply conveyance unit are arranged vertically, for example, when the developer is conveyed to the end of the agitation conveyance unit by the conveyance screw, the developer is lifted upward by the conveyance pressure and supplied and conveyed. (For example, refer patent document 1). In addition, a technique for lifting the developer upward by magnetic force is also known in order to facilitate the delivery of the developer between the stirring conveyance unit and the supply conveyance unit arranged above and below (see, for example, Patent Document 2). ).

特開２００９−２５７２４号公報JP 2009-25724 A 特開平１０−３１３６３号公報JP-A-10-31363

しかしながら、例えば撹拌搬送部の上方に供給搬送部が配置される場合、搬送スクリュによる搬送圧力や磁力によって現像剤の持ち上げ量を十分に確保することは困難であり、撹拌搬送部内に多量な現像剤の滞留が発生しがちである。このため、現像剤の十分な混合・撹拌が妨げられて、画像品質が低下しやすいという問題点があった。   However, for example, when the supply conveyance unit is arranged above the agitation conveyance unit, it is difficult to secure a sufficient amount of developer lift by conveyance pressure or magnetic force by the conveyance screw, and a large amount of developer is contained in the agitation conveyance unit. Tends to occur. For this reason, sufficient mixing and stirring of the developer is hindered, and there is a problem in that the image quality tends to deteriorate.

本発明は、かかる点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、撹拌搬送部と供給搬送部との間での現像剤の受け渡しをスムーズに行わせて、撹拌搬送部に滞留する現像剤の量を低減し、現像剤の十分な混合・撹拌等が容易に行われるようにすることにある。   The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to make the developer stay smoothly in the agitating and conveying section by smoothly transferring the developer between the agitating and conveying section and the supply and conveying section. In other words, sufficient mixing and stirring of the developer can be easily performed.

第１の発明は、
トナーとキャリアとを含む現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体と、
現像剤を撹拌しながら第１の搬送方向に搬送する撹拌搬送部と、
上記撹拌搬送部の上方に配置され、上記撹拌搬送部から連通部を介して受け渡された現像剤を上記第１の搬送方向と逆の第２の搬送方向に搬送しながら上記現像剤担持体に供給する供給搬送部と、
を備えた現像装置であって、
上記撹拌搬送部は、
回転自在に設けられた回転軸と、
上記回転軸に形成され、現像剤を上記第１の搬送方向に搬送する第１の螺旋羽根と、
上記回転軸における上記第１の螺旋羽根よりも第１の搬送方向下流側に多条に形成され、現像剤を第１の搬送方向に搬送する第２の螺旋羽根と、
上記回転軸における上記第２の螺旋羽根よりも第１の搬送方向下流側に多条に形成され、現像剤を第２の搬送方向に搬送する第３の螺旋羽根と、
を有し、
上記第２、および第３の螺旋羽根は、互いに同一の条数、およびリードを有するとともに、互いに隣接する端部の回転方向の位置が同一に形成されるとともに、
上記連通部は、
上記撹拌搬送部の第２、および第３の螺旋羽根に対応する位置に設けられていることを特徴とする。 The first invention is
A developer carrying member carrying a developer containing toner and a carrier;
An agitation transport unit that transports the developer in the first transport direction while stirring the developer;
The developer carrier disposed above the agitation conveyance unit and conveying the developer transferred from the agitation conveyance unit via the communication unit in a second conveyance direction opposite to the first conveyance direction. A supply conveyance section for supplying to
A developing device comprising:
The stirring and conveying unit is
A rotating shaft provided rotatably,
A first spiral blade formed on the rotating shaft and transporting the developer in the first transport direction;
A second spiral blade that is formed in multiple lines downstream of the first spiral blade in the rotation shaft in the first transport direction and transports the developer in the first transport direction;
A third spiral blade that is formed in multiple lines downstream of the second spiral blade in the rotation axis in the first transport direction and transports the developer in the second transport direction;
Have
The second and third spiral blades have the same number of strips and leads, and the positions in the rotational direction of the ends adjacent to each other are the same,
The communication part is
It is provided in the position corresponding to the 2nd and 3rd spiral blade | wing of the said stirring conveyance part.

これにより、撹拌搬送部内の現像剤は、第１の螺旋羽根によって、撹拌されながら搬送され、第２、および第３の螺旋羽根の位置まで搬送される。そこで、第２、および第３の螺旋羽根は、互いに逆方向の螺旋で、互いに同一の多条の条数（例えば２条）、およびリードを有するとともに、互いに隣接する端部の回転方向の位置が同一に形成されているので、現像剤には、第２、および第３の螺旋羽根の中央部に向けて寄せ集められて上方へ持ち上げられる作用が働く。しかも、第２、および第３の螺旋羽根は多条に形成されているので、１回転する間に持ち上げ作用が条数回働き、現像剤は効率的に連通部を介して供給搬送部に受け渡される。それゆえ、撹拌搬送部と供給搬送部との間での現像剤の受け渡しがスムーズに行われるので、撹拌搬送部での現像剤の滞留を低減して安定した現像剤フローを得ることが容易にできる。したがって、現像剤の撹拌領域の長さを確保して混合・撹拌性能の向上を図り、および／または現像装置の長さを短く抑えることなどが容易にできる。   As a result, the developer in the agitation conveyance unit is conveyed while being agitated by the first spiral blade, and is conveyed to the positions of the second and third spiral blades. Therefore, the second and third spiral blades are spirals in opposite directions, have the same number of multiple strips (for example, two strips), and leads, and positions in the rotational direction of the ends adjacent to each other. Are formed in the same manner, the developer acts to be gathered toward the central portions of the second and third spiral blades and lifted upward. In addition, since the second and third spiral blades are formed in multiple stripes, the lifting action works several times during one rotation, and the developer is efficiently received by the supply and conveyance section via the communication section. Passed. Therefore, since the developer is smoothly transferred between the agitation conveyance unit and the supply conveyance unit, it is easy to obtain a stable developer flow by reducing the retention of the developer in the agitation conveyance unit. it can. Therefore, it is possible to easily improve the mixing / stirring performance by securing the length of the developer stirring region and / or to keep the length of the developing device short.

第２の発明は、
第１の発明の現像装置であって、
上記第２、および第３の螺旋羽根の外径が、上記第１の螺旋羽根における少なくとも上記連通部の近傍を除く領域の外径よりも大きく形成されていることを特徴とする。 The second invention is
A developing device according to a first invention,
The outer diameters of the second and third spiral blades are formed larger than the outer diameter of a region excluding at least the vicinity of the communicating portion in the first spiral blade.

これにより、第２、および第３の螺旋羽根の先端とハウジングとの間の間隙が小さく抑えられるとともに、供給搬送部との間の距離が短く抑えられる。それゆえ、搬送ロスが低減され、現像剤に作用する上昇力が大きく保たれて、撹拌搬送部から供給搬送部への搬送効率が容易に高められる。   As a result, the gap between the tips of the second and third spiral blades and the housing is kept small, and the distance between the supply and transport unit is kept short. Therefore, the transport loss is reduced, the ascending force acting on the developer is kept large, and the transport efficiency from the stirring transport unit to the supply transport unit is easily increased.

第３の発明は、
第１および第２の発明のうち何れか１つの現像装置であって、
上記撹拌搬送部による現像剤の搬送速度が、上記供給搬送部による現像剤の搬送速度よりも速くなるように設定されていることを特徴とする。 The third invention is
Any one of the first and second inventions,
The developer conveyance speed by the agitation conveyance unit is set to be higher than the developer conveyance speed by the supply conveyance unit.

これにより、撹拌搬送部、および供給搬送部の現像剤の搬送能力、および供給搬送部において現像剤担持体に供給される現像剤の量などに応じた、撹拌搬送部、および供給搬送部を循環する現像剤の流量バランスを適切に保つことが容易にできる。   Thus, the agitation conveyance unit and the supply conveyance unit are circulated according to the developer conveyance capacity of the agitation conveyance unit and the supply conveyance unit and the amount of developer supplied to the developer carrier in the supply conveyance unit. Therefore, it is possible to easily maintain an appropriate flow rate balance of the developer.

第４の発明は、
第１から第３の発明のうち何れか１つの現像装置であって、
上記供給搬送部は、
回転自在に設けられた回転軸と、
上記回転軸に形成され、現像剤を上記第２の搬送方向に搬送する螺旋羽根と、
を有し、
上記回転軸は、上記供給搬送部における上記連通部に対応する部分の軸径が、他の部分の軸径よりも小さく設定されていることを特徴とする。 The fourth invention is:
A developing device according to any one of the first to third inventions,
The supply conveyance unit is
A rotating shaft provided rotatably,
A spiral blade formed on the rotating shaft and transporting the developer in the second transport direction;
Have
The rotating shaft is characterized in that a shaft diameter of a portion corresponding to the communication portion in the supply / conveyance portion is set smaller than a shaft diameter of other portions.

これにより、撹拌搬送部の第２、および第３の螺旋羽根によって押し上げられた現像剤に対して、供給搬送部における受け入れスペースがより大きく確保されるので、現像剤の受け渡しを円滑に行われやすくできる。   As a result, a larger receiving space is ensured in the supply and conveyance section for the developer pushed up by the second and third spiral blades of the agitating and conveying section, so that the developer can be delivered smoothly. it can.

本発明によれば、撹拌搬送部と供給搬送部との間での現像剤の受け渡しをスムーズに行わせて、撹拌搬送部に滞留する現像剤の量を低減し、現像剤の十分な混合・撹拌が容易に行われるようにすることなどができる。   According to the present invention, the developer is smoothly transferred between the agitation conveyance unit and the supply conveyance unit, the amount of the developer staying in the agitation conveyance unit is reduced, and the developer is sufficiently mixed. Stirring can be easily performed.

本発明の実施形態に係る現像装置の部分断面正面図である。FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図１の要部の拡大図である。It is an enlarged view of the principal part of FIG. 図１のIII−III線断面図である。It is the III-III sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 図１のIV−IV線断面図である。It is the IV-IV sectional view taken on the line of FIG.

本発明の実施形態に係る現像装置の例を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。この現像装置は、画像形成装置に例えば現像ユニットとして設けられ、感光体ドラムの露光によって形成された静電潜像をトナーとキャリアとを含む２成分現像剤によって現像することにより、トナー像を形成する。形成されたトナー像は、例えば、転写ベルトを介して記録媒体に転写され、加熱定着される。以下、具体的に説明する。   An example of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The developing device is provided in the image forming apparatus as a developing unit, for example, and forms a toner image by developing an electrostatic latent image formed by exposure of a photosensitive drum with a two-component developer including toner and a carrier. To do. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium via a transfer belt, for example, and fixed by heating. This will be specifically described below.

（現像装置１００の概略構成）
現像装置１００は、図１から図４に示すように、撹拌搬送部１１０と、供給搬送部１２０と、現像ローラ１３０とを備えている。撹拌搬送部１１０は、例えば現像装置１００の外部からギアボックス１５０を介して伝達される駆動力によって、図１における左方向（矢印Ａ方向）に現像剤を搬送しながら撹拌するようになっている。供給搬送部１２０は、上記撹拌搬送部１１０の直上に設けられ、撹拌搬送部１１０から連通部１４２を介して上方向（矢印Ｂ方向）に受け渡された現像剤を図１における右方向（矢印Ｃ方向）に搬送しながら現像ローラ１３０に供給するようになっている。現像ローラ１３０に供給された残りの現像剤は、供給搬送部１２０の端部まで搬送されると、連通部１４３を介して下方向（矢印Ｄ方向）に移動し、必要に応じて補給されたトナーと共に撹拌搬送部１１０により再度撹拌、搬送されて循環が繰り返されるようになっている。 (Schematic configuration of the developing device 100)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the developing device 100 includes an agitating and conveying unit 110, a supply and conveying unit 120, and a developing roller 130. The agitation transport unit 110 agitates the developer in the left direction (arrow A direction) in FIG. 1 by a driving force transmitted from the outside of the developing device 100 through the gear box 150, for example. . The supply conveyance unit 120 is provided immediately above the agitation conveyance unit 110, and the developer delivered from the agitation conveyance unit 110 in the upward direction (arrow B direction) via the communication unit 142 is moved to the right in FIG. It is supplied to the developing roller 130 while being conveyed in the (C direction). When the remaining developer supplied to the developing roller 130 is conveyed to the end of the supply conveyance unit 120, it moves downward (in the direction of arrow D) via the communication unit 143 and is replenished as necessary. The toner is stirred and conveyed again by the agitating and conveying unit 110 together with the toner, and the circulation is repeated.

上記現像ローラ１３０は、例えば、図示しないスリーブとその内部に設けられたマグネットとから成り、供給搬送部１２０から供給された現像剤が、現像剤層規制部材１６０（図３および図４）によって所定の層厚に規制された後、図示しない感光体ドラムの近傍に運ばれ、感光体ドラムの周面に形成された静電潜像が現像剤中のトナーにより現像されるようになっている。   The developing roller 130 includes, for example, a sleeve (not shown) and a magnet provided therein, and the developer supplied from the supply / conveyance unit 120 is predetermined by the developer layer regulating member 160 (FIGS. 3 and 4). After being regulated by the layer thickness of the photosensitive drum, it is carried to the vicinity of a photosensitive drum (not shown), and the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum is developed with toner in the developer.

（撹拌搬送部１１０、および供給搬送部１２０の詳細な構成）
撹拌搬送部１１０は、ハウジング１４０内に、回転軸１１１ａを有する第１の回転部材１１１が軸受１１２を介して回転自在に設けられて構成されている。上記回転軸１１１ａにおける現像剤搬送方向下流側の端部付近を除く領域には、現像剤を搬送しながら撹拌する螺旋羽根１１１ｂが設けられている。螺旋羽根１１１ｂには、特に限定されないが、例えば現像剤をより撹拌するために、部分的にパドル１１１ｃが設けられている。 (Detailed configuration of stirring and conveying unit 110 and supply and conveying unit 120)
The agitating / conveying unit 110 includes a housing 140 in which a first rotating member 111 having a rotating shaft 111 a is rotatably provided via a bearing 112. A spiral blade 111b that stirs while transporting the developer is provided in a region excluding the vicinity of the downstream end of the rotation shaft 111a in the developer transport direction. Although not particularly limited, the spiral blade 111b is partially provided with a paddle 111c, for example, in order to further stir the developer.

回転軸１１１ａにおける上記螺旋羽根１１１ｂの現像剤搬送方向下流側には、順に、順２条螺旋羽根１１１ｄ、間隙部１１１ｅ、逆２条螺旋羽根１１１ｆ、および短リード逆螺旋羽根１１１ｇが設けられている。   A forward double spiral blade 111d, a gap 111e, a reverse double spiral blade 111f, and a short lead reverse spiral blade 111g are provided in this order on the rotating shaft 111a downstream of the spiral blade 111b in the developer conveying direction. .

上記順２条螺旋羽根１１１ｄ、および逆２条螺旋羽根１１１ｆは、互いに逆向きの２条螺旋で、かつ、共に螺旋羽根１１１ｂと同じリード（すなわち１／２のピッチ）を有するように形成されている。また、螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆにおける互いに隣接する端部の回転方向の位置は、同一（同一位相）に形成されている。これらの螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆの長さは、例えば螺旋羽根１１１ｂのリード（ピッチ）の１／２以上に設定されている。螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆ間の間隙部１１１ｅの長さは、例えば螺旋羽根１１１ｂのリードの１／４以上１／２以下、より具体的には例えば６ｍｍ程度に設定されている。   The above-mentioned two-row spiral blade 111d and the reverse two-row spiral blade 111f are formed in two spirals opposite to each other and both have the same lead (ie, 1/2 pitch) as the spiral blade 111b. Yes. Moreover, the position of the rotation direction of the edge part which mutually adjoins in spiral blade 111d * 111f is formed in the same (same phase). The lengths of the spiral blades 111d and 111f are set to, for example, 1/2 or more of the lead (pitch) of the spiral blade 111b. The length of the gap portion 111e between the spiral blades 111d and 111f is set to, for example, ¼ or more and ½ or less of the lead of the spiral blade 111b, more specifically, for example, about 6 mm.

短リード逆螺旋羽根１１１ｇは、逆２条螺旋羽根１１１ｆと軸受１１２との間に設けられ、螺旋羽根１１１ｂよりも短いピッチに形成されて、軸受１１２付近に現像剤が凝集しにくいようになっている。   The short lead reverse spiral blade 111g is provided between the reverse double spiral blade 111f and the bearing 112, and is formed at a shorter pitch than the spiral blade 111b, so that the developer is less likely to aggregate near the bearing 112. Yes.

螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆと、短リード逆螺旋羽根１１１ｇと、螺旋羽根１１１ｂにおける順２条螺旋羽根１１１ｄ側の端部（例えば１／２ピッチの部分）とは、螺旋羽根１１１ｂの他の部分よりも外径が大きい大径部１１１ｈとして形成されている。   The spiral blades 111d and 111f, the short lead reverse spiral blade 111g, and the end of the spiral blade 111b on the side of the forward double spiral blade 111d (for example, a 1/2 pitch portion) are more than other portions of the spiral blade 111b. The large-diameter portion 111h having a large outer diameter is formed.

撹拌搬送部１１０と、その上方に配置される供給搬送部１２０とは、仕切壁１４１で仕切られるとともに、上記螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆに対応する位置に形成された連通部１４２を介して連通するようになっている。   The agitating / conveying unit 110 and the supply / conveying unit 120 disposed thereabove are partitioned by a partition wall 141 and communicate with each other via a communicating unit 142 formed at a position corresponding to the spiral blades 111d and 111f. It has become.

一方、供給搬送部１２０は、ハウジング１４０内に、回転軸１２１ａを有する第２の回転部材１２１が軸受１２２を介して回転自在に設けられて構成されている。上記回転軸１２１ａには、現像剤を搬送しながら現像ローラ１３０に供給する螺旋羽根１２１ｂが設けられている。回転軸１２１ａの外径は第１の回転部材１１１の回転軸１１１ａよりも大きく設定され、第２の回転部材１２１による現像剤の搬送速度が第１の回転部材１１１よりも遅くなるようになっている。ただし、連通部１４２付近の回転軸１２１ａの外径は他の部分よりも小さく設定され、連通部１４２から流入する現像剤が受け渡されやすくなるようになっている。   On the other hand, the supply conveyance unit 120 includes a housing 140 in which a second rotation member 121 having a rotation shaft 121 a is rotatably provided via a bearing 122. The rotating shaft 121a is provided with a spiral blade 121b that supplies the developer to the developing roller 130 while conveying the developer. The outer diameter of the rotating shaft 121 a is set larger than the rotating shaft 111 a of the first rotating member 111, and the developer conveying speed by the second rotating member 121 is slower than that of the first rotating member 111. Yes. However, the outer diameter of the rotating shaft 121a in the vicinity of the communication portion 142 is set smaller than the other portions so that the developer flowing in from the communication portion 142 is easily delivered.

（現像装置１００の動作）
上記のように構成された現像装置１００では、撹拌搬送部１１０内の現像剤は、螺旋羽根１１１ｂによって、撹拌されながら、図１における矢印Ａ方向に搬送される。現像剤が螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆの位置まで搬送されると、これらの螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆは互いに逆方向の螺旋に形成されているので、現像剤には間隙部１１１ｅに向けて絞られるように寄せ集められて上方へ持ち上げられる作用が働く。しかも、螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆは２条螺旋に形成されているので、回転軸１１１ａが１回転する間に持ち上げ作用が２回働き、現像剤は効率的に連通部１４２を介して供給搬送部１２０に受け渡される。 (Operation of the developing device 100)
In the developing device 100 configured as described above, the developer in the stirring and transporting unit 110 is transported in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 while being stirred by the spiral blade 111b. When the developer is conveyed to the position of the spiral blades 111d and 111f, the spiral blades 111d and 111f are formed in spirals in opposite directions, so that the developer is narrowed toward the gap 111e. The action of being gathered and lifted upward works. In addition, since the spiral blades 111d and 111f are formed in a double spiral, the lifting action works twice while the rotating shaft 111a makes one rotation, and the developer is efficiently supplied and conveyed through the communication part 142. Is passed on.

さらに、螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆと、短リード逆螺旋羽根１１１ｇと、螺旋羽根１１１ｂにおける順２条螺旋羽根１１１ｄ側の端部（例えば１／２ピッチの部分）とが大径部１１１ｈとして形成されているので、これらの螺旋羽根の先端とハウジング１４０との間の間隙が小さく抑えられるとともに、供給搬送部１２０の螺旋羽根１２１ｂとの間の距離（螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆの先端から仕切壁１４１までのギャップ＋仕切壁１４１の厚さ＋仕切壁１４１から螺旋羽根１２１ｂの先端までのギャップ）が短く抑えられるので、搬送ロスが低減され、現像剤に作用する上昇力が大きく保たれて、搬送効率が容易に高められる。   Further, the spiral blades 111d and 111f, the short lead reverse spiral blade 111g, and the end portion (for example, a 1/2 pitch portion) of the spiral blade 111b on the side of the forward double spiral blade 111d are formed as the large diameter portion 111h. Therefore, the gap between the tips of the spiral blades and the housing 140 is kept small, and the distance between the spiral blades 121b of the supply conveyance unit 120 (from the tips of the spiral blades 111d and 111f to the partition wall 141). (Gap + thickness of partition wall 141 + gap from partition wall 141 to the tip of spiral blade 121b) can be kept short, so that transport loss is reduced, the ascending force acting on the developer is kept large, and transport efficiency is improved. Easily enhanced.

また、第１の回転部材１１１の最端部には、連通部１４２が形成されていない位置（仕切壁１４１が存在する位置）に短リード逆螺旋羽根１１１ｇが設けられているので、軸受１１２付近の現像剤は、図１、図２の右方向に確実に押し戻される。それゆえ、軸受１１２が現像剤に埋没する程度が軽減され、軸受１１２部分への現像剤の浸入が容易に防止される。   Further, since the short lead reverse spiral blade 111g is provided at a position where the communication portion 142 is not formed (a position where the partition wall 141 exists) at the extreme end of the first rotating member 111, the vicinity of the bearing 112 The developer is surely pushed back in the right direction in FIGS. Therefore, the degree to which the bearing 112 is buried in the developer is reduced, and the developer can easily be prevented from entering the bearing 112 portion.

一方、上記のように撹拌搬送部１１０の螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆによって押し上げられた現像剤は、連通部１４２を介して供給搬送部１２０に受け渡される。ここで、供給搬送部１２０の回転軸１２１ａにおける連通部１４２付近には小径部１２１ａ’が形成され、現像剤の受け入れスペースがより大きく確保されるので、現像剤の受け渡しは円滑に行われやすくなる。   On the other hand, the developer pushed up by the spiral blades 111 d and 111 f of the agitation transport unit 110 as described above is delivered to the supply transport unit 120 via the communication unit 142. Here, a small-diameter portion 121a ′ is formed in the vicinity of the communication portion 142 of the rotating shaft 121a of the supply conveyance portion 120, and a larger space for receiving the developer is secured, so that the developer is easily transferred smoothly. .

供給搬送部１２０に受け渡された現像剤は、第２の回転部材１２１の螺旋羽根１２１ｂによって図１における矢印Ｃ方向に搬送されながら、一部が現像ローラ１３０に供給される。第２の回転部材１２１による現像剤の搬送速度は、回転軸１２１ａの外径が第１の回転部材１１１の回転軸１１１ａよりも大きく設定されていることにより、第１の回転部材１１１よりも遅くなる。それゆえ、撹拌搬送部１１０、および供給搬送部１２０を循環する現像剤の流量バランスが適切に保たれる。なお、現像剤の搬送速度は上記のように回転軸の外径によって設定されるのに限らず、螺旋羽根のピッチや、外形、回転速度、またはこれらの組み合わせなどによって設定されてもよい。   A part of the developer delivered to the supply conveyance unit 120 is supplied to the developing roller 130 while being conveyed in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1 by the spiral blade 121 b of the second rotating member 121. The developer conveying speed by the second rotating member 121 is slower than that of the first rotating member 111 because the outer diameter of the rotating shaft 121a is set larger than the rotating shaft 111a of the first rotating member 111. Become. Therefore, the flow rate balance of the developer circulating through the agitation transport unit 110 and the supply transport unit 120 is appropriately maintained. The developer conveying speed is not limited to the outer diameter of the rotating shaft as described above, but may be set based on the pitch of the spiral blade, the outer shape, the rotating speed, or a combination thereof.

供給搬送部１２０によって、その端部まで搬送された現像剤は、連通部１４３を介して、図１における矢印Ｄ方向に移動し、連通部１４３の近傍で必要に応じて新しいトナーが補給され、撹拌搬送部１１０により再度撹拌、搬送されて、循環が繰り返される。   The developer conveyed to the end by the supply conveyance unit 120 moves in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 1 through the communication unit 143, and new toner is replenished as necessary near the communication unit 143. The agitating and conveying unit 110 stirs and conveys the material again, and circulation is repeated.

上記のように、現像剤が撹拌搬送部１１０から供給搬送部１２０に受け渡される連通部１４２付近に、螺旋羽根１１１ｄ・１１１ｆが設けられていることなどにより、撹拌搬送部１１０と供給搬送部１２０との間での現像剤の受け渡しがスムーズに行われるので、例えば連通部１４２の長さが約２０ｍｍに設定されている場合でも、撹拌搬送部１１０での現像剤の滞留長さを４５ｍｍ程度などに低減して安定した現像剤フローを得ることが容易にできる。それゆえ、撹拌搬送部１１０と供給搬送部１２０とが上下に配置されていることによって現像装置１００の幅を小さく抑え得るだけでなく、現像剤の撹拌領域の長さを確保して混合・撹拌性能の向上を図り、および／または現像装置１００の長さを短く抑えることなどが容易にできる。   As described above, the agitating / conveying unit 110 and the supplying / conveying unit 120 are provided in the vicinity of the communicating portion 142 where the developer is transferred from the agitating / conveying unit 110 to the supply / conveying unit 120. Since, for example, the developer is smoothly transferred to and from the developer, even when the length of the communication portion 142 is set to about 20 mm, the staying length of the developer in the stirring and conveying portion 110 is about 45 mm. And a stable developer flow can be easily obtained. Therefore, the agitating / conveying unit 110 and the supply / conveying unit 120 are arranged vertically so that the width of the developing device 100 can be kept small, and the length of the agitating region of the developer is ensured for mixing / stirring. The performance can be improved and / or the length of the developing device 100 can be easily reduced.

さらに、現像剤の滞留が軽減されることによって、現像剤に埋没した軸受１１２周辺の発熱や摺擦による凝集体の生成は起きにくくなるので、そのような凝集体の付着や詰まりによる画質の低下も容易に防止できる。   Furthermore, since the retention of the developer is reduced, the formation of aggregates due to heat generation or rubbing around the bearing 112 buried in the developer is less likely to occur, so that the image quality is deteriorated due to adhesion or clogging of such aggregates. Can be easily prevented.

１００ 現像装置
１１０ 撹拌搬送部
１１１ 第１の回転部材
１１１ａ 回転軸
１１１ｂ 螺旋羽根
１１１ｃ パドル
１１１ｄ 順２条螺旋羽根
１１１ｅ 間隙部
１１１ｆ 逆２条螺旋羽根
１１１ｇ 短リード逆螺旋羽根
１１１ｈ 大径部
１１２ 軸受
１２０ 供給搬送部
１２１ 第２の回転部材
１２１ａ 回転軸
１２１ａ’ 小径部
１２１ｂ 螺旋羽根
１２２ 軸受
１３０ 現像ローラ
１４０ ハウジング
１４１ 仕切壁
１４２ 連通部
１４３ 連通部
１５０ ギアボックス
１６０ 現像剤層規制部材 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Developing apparatus 110 Stirring conveyance part 111 1st rotation member 111a Rotating shaft 111b Spiral blade 111c Paddle 111d Order 2 spiral blade 111e Gap part 111f Reverse 2 spiral blade 111g Short lead reverse spiral blade 111h Large diameter part 112 Bearing 120 Supply Conveying section 121 Second rotating member 121a Rotating shaft 121a 'Small diameter section 121b Spiral blade 122 Bearing 130 Developing roller 140 Housing 141 Partition wall 142 Communication section 143 Communication section 150 Gear box 160 Developer layer regulating member

Claims (7)

トナーとキャリアとを含む現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体と、
現像剤を撹拌しながら第１の搬送方向に搬送する撹拌搬送部と、
上記撹拌搬送部の上方に配置され、上記撹拌搬送部から連通部を介して受け渡された現像剤を上記第１の搬送方向と逆の第２の搬送方向に搬送しながら上記現像剤担持体に供給する供給搬送部と、
を備えた現像装置であって、
上記撹拌搬送部は、
回転自在に設けられた回転軸と、
上記回転軸に形成され、現像剤を上記第１の搬送方向に搬送する第１の螺旋羽根と、
上記回転軸における上記第１の螺旋羽根よりも第１の搬送方向下流側に多条に形成され、現像剤を第１の搬送方向に搬送する第２の螺旋羽根と、
上記回転軸における上記第２の螺旋羽根よりも第１の搬送方向下流側に多条に形成され、現像剤を第２の搬送方向に搬送する第３の螺旋羽根と、
を有し、
上記第２、および第３の螺旋羽根は、互いに同一の条数、およびリードを有するとともに、互いに隣接する端部の回転方向の位置が同一に形成されるとともに、
上記連通部は、
上記撹拌搬送部の第２、および第３の螺旋羽根に対応する位置に設けられていることを特徴とする現像装置。 A developer carrying member carrying a developer containing toner and a carrier;
An agitation transport unit that transports the developer in the first transport direction while stirring the developer;
The developer carrier disposed above the agitation conveyance unit and conveying the developer transferred from the agitation conveyance unit via the communication unit in a second conveyance direction opposite to the first conveyance direction. A supply conveyance section for supplying to
A developing device comprising:
The stirring and conveying unit is
A rotating shaft provided rotatably,
A first spiral blade formed on the rotating shaft and transporting the developer in the first transport direction;
A second spiral blade that is formed in multiple lines downstream of the first spiral blade in the rotation shaft in the first transport direction and transports the developer in the first transport direction;
A third spiral blade that is formed in multiple lines downstream of the second spiral blade in the rotation axis in the first transport direction and transports the developer in the second transport direction;
Have
The second and third spiral blades have the same number of strips and leads, and the positions in the rotational direction of the ends adjacent to each other are the same,
The communication part is
A developing device, wherein the developing device is provided at a position corresponding to the second and third spiral blades of the agitation transport unit. 請求項１の現像装置であって、  The developing device according to claim 1,
上記第２の螺旋羽根は、１／２ピッチの長さに形成されていることを特徴とする現像装置。  The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the second spiral blade is formed to have a length of ½ pitch. 請求項１または請求項２の現像装置であって、
上記第２、および第３の螺旋羽根の外径が、上記第１の螺旋羽根における少なくとも上記連通部の近傍を除く領域の外径よりも大きく形成されていることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
2. A developing device according to claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of each of the second and third spiral blades is larger than an outer diameter of a region excluding at least the vicinity of the communicating portion in the first spiral blade. 請求項３の現像装置であって、  The developing device according to claim 3,
上記第２、および第３の螺旋羽根の外径が大きく形成されている領域は、上記連通部における上記回転軸の軸方向長さよりも長い領域であることを特徴とする現像装置。  The developing device characterized in that the area where the outer diameter of the second and third spiral blades is formed is an area longer than the axial length of the rotating shaft in the communicating portion. 請求項１から請求項４のうち何れか１項の現像装置であって、
上記撹拌搬送部による現像剤の搬送速度が、上記供給搬送部による現像剤の搬送速度よりも速くなるように設定されていることを特徴とする現像装置。 A developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
2. A developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer conveying speed by the agitating and conveying unit is set to be higher than the developer conveying speed by the supply and conveying unit. 請求項１から請求項５のうち何れか１項の現像装置であって、
上記供給搬送部は、
回転自在に設けられた回転軸と、
上記回転軸に形成され、現像剤を上記第２の搬送方向に搬送する螺旋羽根と、
を有し、
上記回転軸は、上記供給搬送部における上記連通部に対応する部分の軸径が、他の部分の軸径よりも小さく設定されていることを特徴とする現像装置。 A developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The supply conveyance unit is
A rotating shaft provided rotatably,
A spiral blade formed on the rotating shaft and transporting the developer in the second transport direction;
Have
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a shaft diameter of a portion corresponding to the communication portion in the supply and transport portion is set to be smaller than a shaft diameter of another portion. 請求項６の現像装置であって、  The developing device according to claim 6,
上記供給搬送部の螺旋羽根は、上記連通部側の端部のピッチが、他の領域よりも長く形成されていることを特徴とする現像装置。  The developing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spiral blade of the supply / conveyance unit is formed such that a pitch of an end portion on the side of the communication unit is longer than other regions.
JP2011268281A 2011-12-07 2011-12-07 Development device Expired - Fee Related JP5975630B2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2011268281A JP5975630B2 (en) 2011-12-07 2011-12-07 Development device
KR1020120136555A KR101908666B1 (en) 2011-12-07 2012-11-28 Developing device
US13/706,967 US8837991B2 (en) 2011-12-07 2012-12-06 Developing device
CN201210524619.3A CN103149814B (en) 2011-12-07 2012-12-07 Developing apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2011268281A JP5975630B2 (en) 2011-12-07 2011-12-07 Development device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2013120288A JP2013120288A (en) 2013-06-17
JP5975630B2 true JP5975630B2 (en) 2016-08-23

Family

ID=48772942

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2011268281A Expired - Fee Related JP5975630B2 (en) 2011-12-07 2011-12-07 Development device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP5975630B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101908666B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2016053669A (en) 2014-09-04 2016-04-14 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP6614946B2 (en) * 2015-12-01 2019-12-04 エイチピー プリンティング コリア カンパニー リミテッド Development device
JP6794131B2 (en) * 2016-04-22 2020-12-02 キヤノン株式会社 Developer
JP6838699B2 (en) * 2016-10-13 2021-03-03 株式会社リコー Developing equipment, process cartridges, and image forming equipment
JP2018081196A (en) * 2016-11-16 2018-05-24 株式会社リコー Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
JP6724856B2 (en) * 2017-05-08 2020-07-15 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP6604992B2 (en) 2017-05-22 2019-11-13 キヤノン株式会社 Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP7205763B2 (en) * 2019-02-18 2023-01-17 株式会社リコー Developer Conveying Member, Developing Device, Process Cartridge, and Image Forming Apparatus
JP7465434B2 (en) * 2019-09-25 2024-04-11 株式会社リコー Developing device and image forming apparatus

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH1124404A (en) * 1997-07-08 1999-01-29 Minolta Co Ltd Developing device
JPH1184874A (en) * 1997-09-01 1999-03-30 Minolta Co Ltd Developing device
JP4333057B2 (en) * 2001-06-11 2009-09-16 コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社 Development device
JP2005258300A (en) 2004-03-15 2005-09-22 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus
JP2008033109A (en) 2006-07-31 2008-02-14 Kyocera Mita Corp Fine particle agitating/conveying member and developing device equipped with same
JP5540613B2 (en) * 2009-09-08 2014-07-02 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image forming apparatus and toner container
JP5515676B2 (en) 2009-11-20 2014-06-11 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP5455048B2 (en) * 2010-02-19 2014-03-26 株式会社リコー Developing device, and process cartridge and image forming apparatus including the same
JP4945659B2 (en) 2010-05-18 2012-06-06 シャープ株式会社 Developing device and image forming apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20130064016A (en) 2013-06-17
JP2013120288A (en) 2013-06-17
KR101908666B1 (en) 2018-10-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5975630B2 (en) Development device
JP4861152B2 (en) Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
JP2006251440A (en) Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
JP4943239B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP2008233243A (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP2008299107A (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP2008033109A (en) Fine particle agitating/conveying member and developing device equipped with same
JP2007271830A (en) Developing device
JP2006308964A (en) Developing device
JP2010002589A (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP5463700B2 (en) Developing device, process cartridge including the same, and image forming apparatus
JP4333057B2 (en) Development device
JP6347740B2 (en) Developer transport device, developing device, and image forming apparatus
JP5444979B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP5742923B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP5637433B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus
JP5793970B2 (en) Development device
JP5873630B2 (en) Image forming apparatus
JP4415677B2 (en) Development device
JP6604045B2 (en) Developing device, image forming apparatus
JP6866674B2 (en) Developing equipment and image forming equipment
JP3522661B2 (en) Developing device
JP2007094160A (en) Developing device
KR101119986B1 (en) Apparatus for stirring developer in two component developing device
JP5609446B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20141205

A977 Report on retrieval

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007

Effective date: 20151023

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20151104

A521 Request for written amendment filed

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20160201

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20160628

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20160719

R150 Certificate of patent or registration of utility model

Ref document number: 5975630

Country of ref document: JP

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150

S111 Request for change of ownership or part of ownership

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313111

R350 Written notification of registration of transfer

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350

S533 Written request for registration of change of name

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313533

R371 Transfer withdrawn

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R371

S531 Written request for registration of change of domicile

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313531

S533 Written request for registration of change of name

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313533

R350 Written notification of registration of transfer

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350

R250 Receipt of annual fees

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250

S111 Request for change of ownership or part of ownership

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313113

R360 Written notification for declining of transfer of rights

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R360

R360 Written notification for declining of transfer of rights

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R360

R371 Transfer withdrawn

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R371

S111 Request for change of ownership or part of ownership

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313113

R350 Written notification of registration of transfer

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350

RD02 Notification of acceptance of power of attorney

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R3D02

R250 Receipt of annual fees

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250

LAPS Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees