JP6020117B2 - Developing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Developing device and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP6020117B2
JP6020117B2 JP2012273238A JP2012273238A JP6020117B2 JP 6020117 B2 JP6020117 B2 JP 6020117B2 JP 2012273238 A JP2012273238 A JP 2012273238A JP 2012273238 A JP2012273238 A JP 2012273238A JP 6020117 B2 JP6020117 B2 JP 6020117B2
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toner
film member
developing device
housing
developing
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JP2014119535A (en
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直哉 前田
直哉 前田
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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、現像装置及び画像形成装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus.

回転駆動するアジテータによりトナーを現像剤担持体に供給するトナー収容部のアジテータの一端部には一端側フィルム部材が設けられ、他端部には他端側フィルム部材が設けられており、一端側フィルム部材は他端側フィルム部材よりも長く、この一端側フィルム部材には、一端側フィルム部材よりも短い補助フィルム部材が重なるように設けられている現像装置が知られている（特許文献１）。   One end side film member is provided at one end of the agitator of the toner storage unit that supplies toner to the developer carrying member by the rotationally driven agitator, and the other end side film member is provided at the other end. A developing device is known in which a film member is longer than the other end film member, and an auxiliary film member shorter than the one end side film member overlaps with the one end side film member (Patent Document 1). .

トナー収容容器に設けられたトナー汲上げブレードが、２枚のフレキシブルシートから構成され、２枚のフレキシブルシートは、ブレード支持部材に固定された端部とトナー収容容器の内壁に当接する他端部でスペーサを挟んで接合され、当該２枚のフレキシブルシートの間に間隙を形成したトナー供給装置も知られている（特許文献２）。   The toner scooping blade provided in the toner storage container is composed of two flexible sheets, and the two flexible sheets are the end fixed to the blade support member and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the toner storage container There is also known a toner supply device in which a spacer is interposed between the two flexible sheets and a gap is formed between the two flexible sheets (Patent Document 2).

特開２００２−２６８３４３号公報JP 2002-268343 A 特開２０１１−０８１０８６号公報JP 2011-081086 A

本発明は、収容されたトナーを確実に撹拌・搬送し、摺擦音の増大を防止することができる現像装置及び画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device and an image forming apparatus that can reliably agitate and convey the contained toner and prevent an increase in rubbing noise.

前記課題を解決するために、請求項１に記載の現像装置は、
トナーを収容すると共に内部のトナーを送出する送出口が設けられたハウジングと、
前記ハウジング内に回転駆動されるように軸支された回転軸と、
前記ハウジング内壁に沿いつつ外ハウジングに収容されたトナーを攪拌しながら搬送して前記送出口から送り出すフィルム部材と、を備え、
前記フィルム部材が、２枚が重ね合わされた状態で前記回転軸にその基端部が固定され、回転方向下流側に配置された第１のフィルム部材の厚みをｔ１、回転方向上流側に配置された第２のフィルム部材の厚みをｔ２としたときに、ｔ１＞ｔ２であり、前記第１のフィルム部材の回転半径方向の長さが、前記ハウジングの内壁の最小半径の長さよりも短く、前記第２のフィルム部材の回転半径方向の長さが、前記ハウジングの内壁の最大半径の長さよりも長く設定されている、
ことを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above problem, the developing device according to claim 1,
A housing provided with a delivery port for containing the toner and delivering the toner inside;
A rotating shaft pivotally supported so as to be rotationally driven in the housing;
A film member that conveys the toner contained in the outer housing while stirring along the inner wall of the housing and sends out the toner from the outlet.
The base end portion of the film member is fixed to the rotating shaft in a state where the two film members are overlapped, and the thickness of the first film member disposed on the downstream side in the rotational direction is t1, and disposed on the upstream side in the rotational direction. the thickness of the second film member is taken as t2 was, t1> t2 der is, radial direction of the length of the first film member is shorter than the minimum radius of the length of the inner wall of the housing, The length in the rotational radius direction of the second film member is set to be longer than the length of the maximum radius of the inner wall of the housing .
It is characterized by that.

請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の現像装置において、
前記第１のフィルム部材が、少なくとも前記送出口の幅方向長さで形成され、前記回転方向とは交わる方向における前記第１のフィルム部材の幅をＷ１、前記第２のフィルム部材の幅をＷ２としたときに、Ｗ１＜Ｗ２である、
ことを特徴とする。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first aspect,
The first film member is formed at least in the width direction length of the delivery port, the width of the first film member in the direction intersecting the rotation direction is W1, and the width of the second film member is W2. When W1 <W2,
It is characterized by that.

前記課題を解決するために、請求項３に記載の画像形成装置は、
静電潜像が形成される感光体と、
前記感光体を帯電させる帯電手段と、
前記帯電手段により帯電された前記感光体に露光を行って潜像を形成する潜像形成手段と、
前記潜像形成手段によって形成された潜像を現像する請求項１又は２に記載の現像装置と、
前記現像装置の現像によって得られた画像を記録媒体に転写する転写手段と、
前記転写手段によって記録媒体に転写された画像を定着させる定着手段と、を備えた、
ことを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 3 ,
A photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
Charging means for charging the photoreceptor;
Latent image forming means for forming a latent image by exposing the photoreceptor charged by the charging means;
The developing device according to claim 1 or 2 , which develops the latent image formed by the latent image forming unit.
Transfer means for transferring an image obtained by development of the developing device to a recording medium;
Fixing means for fixing the image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer means,
It is characterized by that.

請求項１、３に記載の発明によれば、本構成を有しない場合に比して、収容トナーが増大しても確実に撹拌し搬送することができる。
請求項２に記載の発明によれば、本構成を有しない場合に比して、摺擦音を抑制しつつ、収容トナーを現像ローラへ円滑に供給することができる。
According to the first and third aspects of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, even if the amount of stored toner increases, the toner can be reliably stirred and conveyed.
According to the invention described in claim 2, compared with the case not having the present structure, while suppressing the rubbing noise, the stored toner can be smoothly supplied to the developing roller.

本実施形態に係る画像形成装置１の内部構成を示す断面模式図である。1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. 画像形成装置１の画像形成部を構成する感光体ユニット３０と現像装置４０の断面模式図である。2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a photoconductor unit 30 and a developing device 40 that constitute an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. （ａ）はアジテータ４３の斜視図、（ｂ）はアジテータ４３の縦断面図である。(A) is a perspective view of the agitator 43, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view of the agitator 43. （ａ）は現像ローラ４２を除いて表した現像装置４０の要部断面模式図、（ｂ）は送出口４１ｃとフィルム部材４５、４６との現像装置巾方向の関係を示した模式図である。(A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the developing device 40 excluding the developing roller 42, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship in the developing device width direction between the delivery port 41c and the film members 45 and 46. . （ａ）は第２実施形態に係る現像装置４０Ａが備えるアジテータ４３Ａの斜視図、（ｂ）はアジテータ４３Ａの縦断面図(A) is a perspective view of agitator 43A with which developing device 40A concerning a 2nd embodiment is provided, (b) is a longitudinal section of agitator 43A. （ａ）は現像ローラ４２を除いて表した第２実施形態に係る現像装置４０Ａの要部断面模式図、（ｂ）は送出口４１ｃとフィルム部材４５Ａ、４６Ａとの現像装置巾方向の関係を示した模式図である。(A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the developing device 40A according to the second embodiment, excluding the developing roller 42, and (b) shows the relationship in the developing device width direction between the delivery port 41c and the film members 45A and 46A. It is the shown schematic diagram. 現像ローラ４２を除いて表した比較例の現像装置１００の要部断面模式図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a developing device 100 of a comparative example, excluding the developing roller 42;

次に図面を参照しながら、以下に実施形態を挙げ、本発明を更に詳細に説明するが、本発明はこれらの実施形態に限定されるものではない。
また、以下の図面を使用した説明において、図面は模式的なものであり、各寸法の比率等は現実のものとは異なることに留意すべきであり、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, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
Also, in the description using the following drawings, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratio of each dimension and the like are different from the actual ones, and are necessary for the description for easy understanding. Illustrations other than the members are omitted as appropriate.

「第１実施形態」
（１）画像形成装置の全体構成及び動作
図１は本実施形態に係る画像形成装置１の内部構成を示す断面模式図である。
以下、図面を参照しながら、画像形成装置の全体構成及び動作を説明する。 “First Embodiment”
(1) Overall Configuration and Operation of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.
The overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings.

画像形成装置１は、制御装置１０、給紙装置２０、感光体ユニット３０、現像装置４０、露光装置５０、転写装置６０、定着装置７０、とを備えて構成されている。画像形成装置１の上面（Ｚ方向）には、画像が記録された用紙が排出・収容される排出トレイ１ａが形成されている。   The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control device 10, a paper feeding device 20, a photosensitive unit 30, a developing device 40, an exposure device 50, a transfer device 60, and a fixing device 70. On the upper surface (Z direction) of the image forming apparatus 1, a discharge tray 1a for discharging and storing a sheet on which an image is recorded is formed.

制御装置１０は、画像形成装置１の動作を制御するコントローラ１１と、コントローラ１１により作動を制御される画像処理部１２、電源装置１３等を有する。
画像処理部１２は、外部の情報送信装置（例えばパーソナルコンピュータ等）から入力された印刷情報を潜像形成用の画像情報に変換して予め設定されたタイミングで、駆動信号を露光装置５０に出力する。
電源装置１３は、後述する帯電ローラ３２、現像ローラ４２、転写ローラ６１等にバイアス電圧を印加する。 The control device 10 includes a controller 11 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, an image processing unit 12 that is controlled by the controller 11, a power supply device 13, and the like.
The image processing unit 12 converts print information input from an external information transmission device (for example, a personal computer) into image information for forming a latent image, and outputs a drive signal to the exposure device 50 at a preset timing. To do.
The power supply device 13 applies a bias voltage to the charging roller 32, the developing roller 42, the transfer roller 61, and the like which will be described later.

画像形成装置１の底部には、給紙装置２０が設けられている。給紙装置２０は、用紙積載板２１を備え、用紙積載板２１の上面には多数の記録媒体としての用紙Ｐが積載される。用紙積載板２１に積載され、規制板（不図示）で幅方向位置が決められた用紙Ｐは、上側から１枚ずつ用紙引き出し部２２により前方（−Ｘ方向）に引き出された後、レジストローラ対２３のニップ部まで搬送される。   A paper feeding device 20 is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 1. The sheet feeding device 20 includes a sheet stacking plate 21, and a plurality of sheets P as recording media are stacked on the upper surface of the sheet stacking plate 21. The paper P loaded on the paper stacking plate 21 and whose position in the width direction is determined by a regulating plate (not shown) is pulled out one by one from the top by the paper pulling unit 22 (−X direction), and then registered. It is conveyed to the nip portion of the pair 23.

感光体ユニット３０は、給紙装置２０の上方に設けられ、回転駆動する感光体ドラム３１を備えている。感光体ドラム３１の回転方向にそって、帯電ローラ３２、現像装置４０、転写ローラ６１、クリーニングブレード３４が配置されている。帯電ローラ３２には、帯電ローラ３２の表面をクリーニングするクリーニングローラ３３が対向、接触して配置されている。   The photoreceptor unit 30 includes a photoreceptor drum 31 that is provided above the sheet feeding device 20 and is driven to rotate. A charging roller 32, a developing device 40, a transfer roller 61, and a cleaning blade 34 are arranged along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 31. A cleaning roller 33 for cleaning the surface of the charging roller 32 is disposed opposite to and in contact with the charging roller 32.

現像装置４０は、内部にトナーが収容される現像ハウジング４１を有する。現像ハウジング４１内には、内部にマグネットローラを有する現像ローラ４２が感光体ドラム３１に対向して配置されている。現像ローラ４２の背面側には現像ハウジング４１内に収容されたトナーを現像ローラ４２側へ撹拌搬送するアジテータ４３が配置されている。現像ローラ４２には、現像ハウジング４１の送出口４１ｃを介して供給されたトナーの層厚を規制する層規制ブレード４８が接触して配置されている。   The developing device 40 includes a developing housing 41 in which toner is accommodated. A developing roller 42 having a magnet roller therein is disposed in the developing housing 41 so as to face the photosensitive drum 31. On the back side of the developing roller 42, an agitator 43 for agitating and conveying the toner contained in the developing housing 41 to the developing roller 42 side is disposed. A layer regulating blade 48 that regulates the layer thickness of the toner supplied via the delivery port 41 c of the developing housing 41 is disposed in contact with the developing roller 42.

現像装置４０は、現像ハウジング４１の上部にトナー収容室４９が設けられ、現像ハウジング４１内のトナー量が所定量を下回ると、トナー収容室４９から現像ハウジング４１にトナーが供給される。
そして、感光体ユニット３０と現像装置４０とは交換ユニットとしてとして一体化され、画像形成装置１に着脱自在に装着される。 In the developing device 40, a toner storage chamber 49 is provided in the upper portion of the development housing 41, and when the amount of toner in the development housing 41 falls below a predetermined amount, toner is supplied from the toner storage chamber 49 to the development housing 41.
The photosensitive unit 30 and the developing device 40 are integrated as an exchange unit, and are detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

露光装置５０は、光源として用いられるレーザビーム出射手段（不図示）と、レーザビーム出射手段からのレーザビームＬＢを偏向反射させる回転多面鏡（ポリゴンミラー）５５と、を備え、形成される画像データに応じて変調されたレーザビームＬＢで感光体ドラム３１の表面を走査する。   The exposure apparatus 50 includes laser beam emitting means (not shown) used as a light source, and a rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror) 55 that deflects and reflects the laser beam LB from the laser beam emitting means, and image data to be formed. The surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is scanned with the laser beam LB modulated according to the above.

回転する感光体ドラム３１の表面は、帯電ローラ３２により帯電され、露光装置５０から出射するレーザビームＬＢにより静電潜像が形成される。感光体ドラム３１上に形成された静電潜像は現像ローラ４２によりトナー像として現像される。   The surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 31 is charged by the charging roller 32, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by the laser beam LB emitted from the exposure device 50. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 is developed as a toner image by the developing roller 42.

転写装置６０は、感光体ドラム３１とニップを形成する転写ローラ６１と、用紙搬送ガイド６２と、から構成されている。転写ローラ６１には、コントローラ１１により制御される電源装置１３から転写電圧が印加され、感光体ドラム３１と転写ローラ６１間を通過する用紙Ｐに感光体ドラム３１上のトナー像を転写する。   The transfer device 60 includes a transfer roller 61 that forms a nip with the photosensitive drum 31, and a paper conveyance guide 62. A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 61 from the power supply device 13 controlled by the controller 11, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred to the paper P passing between the photosensitive drum 31 and the transfer roller 61.

感光体ドラム３１表面の残留トナーは、クリーニングブレード３４により除去され、感光体ドラム３１を支持するハウジング内部に回収される。その後、感光体ドラム３１の表面は、帯電ローラ３２により再帯電される。尚、クリーニングブレード３４で除去しきれず帯電ローラ３２に付着した残留物は、帯電ローラ３２に接触して回転するクリーニングローラ３３の表面に捕捉され、蓄積される。   Residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is removed by the cleaning blade 34 and collected in the housing that supports the photosensitive drum 31. Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is recharged by the charging roller 32. Residue that cannot be completely removed by the cleaning blade 34 and adheres to the charging roller 32 is captured and accumulated on the surface of the cleaning roller 33 that rotates in contact with the charging roller 32.

定着装置７０は一対の定着ローラ７１、７２を有し、一対の定着ローラ７１、７２の圧接領域によって定着領域が形成される。
転写装置６０においてトナー像が転写された用紙Ｐは、トナー像が未定着の状態で用紙搬送ガイド６２を経由して定着装置７０に搬送される。定着装置７０に搬送された用紙Ｐは、一対の定着ローラ７１、７２により圧着と加熱の作用でトナー像が定着される。定着トナー像が形成された用紙Ｐは、搬送ガイド７３ａ，７３ｂによってガイドされ、排出ローラ対７４から画像形成装置１上面の排出トレイ１ｂに排出される。 The fixing device 70 includes a pair of fixing rollers 71 and 72, and a fixing region is formed by a pressure contact region between the pair of fixing rollers 71 and 72.
The sheet P on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer device 60 is conveyed to the fixing device 70 via the sheet conveyance guide 62 in a state where the toner image is not fixed. The toner image is fixed on the sheet P conveyed to the fixing device 70 by the action of pressure bonding and heating by a pair of fixing rollers 71 and 72. The sheet P on which the fixed toner image is formed is guided by the conveyance guides 73a and 73b and is discharged from the discharge roller pair 74 to the discharge tray 1b on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

（２）現像装置の構成
図２は、本実施形態に係る画像形成装置１の画像形成部を構成する感光体ユニット３０と現像装置４０の断面模式図である。以下、図面を参照しながら現像装置４０の構成について説明する。 (2) Configuration of Developing Device FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the photosensitive unit 30 and the developing device 40 that constitute the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration of the developing device 40 will be described with reference to the drawings.

感光体ユニット３０と現像装置４０とは、一体として構成され、画像形成装置１に着脱可能とされている。
現像装置４０は、現像剤の一例としてのトナー（Ｔｎ）を収容する現像ハウジング４１、トナーを保持して感光体ドラム３１表面の静電潜像をトナーで現像する現像ローラ４２、現像ハウジング４１内に収容されたトナーを撹拌しながら、現像ローラ４２にトナーを供給する撹拌搬送部材としてのアジテータ４３、現像領域へ搬送される現像ローラ４２表面のトナーを薄層化し帯電を均一化する層規制ブレード４８、現像ハウジング４１内に供給されるトナーを収容したトナー収容室４９、とから構成されている。 The photoconductor unit 30 and the developing device 40 are configured as a single unit and are detachable from the image forming apparatus 1.
The developing device 40 includes a developing housing 41 that stores toner (Tn) as an example of a developer, a developing roller 42 that holds the toner and develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 with toner, and the inside of the developing housing 41. An agitator 43 as an agitating and conveying member that supplies toner to the developing roller 42 while agitating the toner contained in the toner, and a layer regulating blade that makes the toner on the surface of the developing roller 42 conveyed to the developing region thin and uniformizes the charge 48, and a toner storage chamber 49 that stores toner supplied into the developing housing 41.

（２・１）現像ハウジング
現像ハウジング４１は、現像部４１ａと、トナー収容部４１ｂとからなり、現像部４１ａとトナー収容部４１ｂとは、送出口４１ｃによって連通している。
現像部４１ａは、一端が感光体ドラム３１に対向して開口し、開口部には現像ローラ４２が配設される。
トナー収容部４１ｂにはアジテータ４３が配設されている。アジテータ４３は、金属製の軸に、フィルム部材を固着して構成され、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーが流動性を有するように撹拌しつつ、送出口４１ｃを介して現像ローラ４２に対してトナーを供給するために、図２の矢印の方向に回転する。 (2.1) Development Housing The development housing 41 includes a development unit 41a and a toner storage unit 41b, and the development unit 41a and the toner storage unit 41b communicate with each other through a delivery port 41c.
One end of the developing unit 41a opens to face the photosensitive drum 31, and a developing roller 42 is disposed in the opening.
An agitator 43 is disposed in the toner storage portion 41b. The agitator 43 is configured by fixing a film member to a metal shaft, and agitates the toner in the toner accommodating portion 41b so as to have fluidity, and the toner with respect to the developing roller 42 via the delivery port 41c. Is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

（２．２）現像ローラ
現像ローラ４２は、断面が円形の円筒部材であり、トナーを保持して感光体ドラム３１に搬送するために、回転可能に現像ハウジング４１の現像部４１ａ内に軸支されて、現像バイアスを印可する電源（不図示）が接続されている。
現像ローラ４２の内部には、回転しないように固定され複数の磁極が交互に配設されたマグネットローラ４２ａが備えられ、マグネットローラ４２ａの周囲には、一方向（図２中矢印参照）へ回転する非磁性円筒状の現像スリーブ４２ｂが設けられている。
現像スリーブ４２ｂは、基材としてアルミニウムを用い、表面処理として略球形のディンプルを形成するブラスト処理をした後、アルマイト処理がなされている。 (2.2) Developing Roller The developing roller 42 is a cylindrical member having a circular cross section, and is rotatably supported in the developing portion 41a of the developing housing 41 so as to hold toner and transport it to the photosensitive drum 31. Then, a power source (not shown) for applying the developing bias is connected.
Inside the developing roller 42, there is provided a magnet roller 42a that is fixed so as not to rotate and in which a plurality of magnetic poles are alternately arranged, and rotates around the magnet roller 42a in one direction (see an arrow in FIG. 2). A non-magnetic cylindrical developing sleeve 42b is provided.
The developing sleeve 42b is subjected to alumite treatment after aluminum is used as a base material and a blast treatment for forming a substantially spherical dimple is performed as a surface treatment.

（２．３）層規制ブレード
現像ローラ４２には、図２に示すように、トナーの層厚を規制する層規制ブレード４８が接触配置されている。層規制ブレード４８は、一端が現像ハウジング４１に固定された保持板４８ａと、保持板４８ａの他端に張り付けられたゴム部材４８ｂから構成される。ゴム部材４８ｂとしては、例えば、シリコンゴム、ウレタンゴム等が使用される。 (2.3) Layer Restricting Blade As shown in FIG. 2, a layer restricting blade 48 that restricts the toner layer thickness is disposed in contact with the developing roller 42. The layer regulating blade 48 includes a holding plate 48a having one end fixed to the developing housing 41, and a rubber member 48b attached to the other end of the holding plate 48a. For example, silicon rubber, urethane rubber, or the like is used as the rubber member 48b.

（２．４）アジテータ
図３（ａ）は本実施形態に係る現像装置４０が備える撹拌搬送手段としてのアジテータ４３の斜視図、図３（ｂ）はアジテータ４３の縦断面図、図４（ａ）は現像ローラ４２を除いて表した現像装置４０の要部断面模式図、図４（ｂ）は送出口４１ｃとフィルム部材４５、４６との現像装置巾方向の関係を示した模式図である。 (2.4) Agitator FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an agitator 43 as agitating and conveying means provided in the developing device 40 according to this embodiment, FIG. 3B is a longitudinal sectional view of the agitator 43, and FIG. ) Is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the developing device 40 excluding the developing roller 42, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship in the developing device width direction between the delivery port 41c and the film members 45 and 46. .

アジテータ４３は、回転軸４４と、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーを回転しながら撹拌・搬送する第１のフィルム部材４５及び第２のフィルム部材４６と、回転軸４４の両側端に形成された軸部４７、４７と、から構成され、現像ハウジング４１のトナー収容部４１ｂの両側壁に回転可能に軸支されている。   The agitator 43 includes a rotation shaft 44, first and second film members 45 and 46 that stir and convey the toner in the toner storage portion 41 b while rotating, and shafts formed on both ends of the rotation shaft 44. 47, and is rotatably supported on both side walls of the toner accommodating portion 41b of the developing housing 41.

回転軸４４は、例えば金属板を曲げ加工して、第１のフィルム部材４５及び第２のフィルム部材４６を固着するための貼付面４４ａが長手方向に形成されている。また、回転軸４４の両側端には、軸部４７、４７を固定するホルダー部４４ｂ、４４ｂが形成されている。   The rotating shaft 44 has a sticking surface 44a formed in the longitudinal direction for fixing the first film member 45 and the second film member 46 by bending a metal plate, for example. In addition, holder portions 44 b and 44 b for fixing the shaft portions 47 and 47 are formed on both side ends of the rotating shaft 44.

第１のフィルム部材４５及び第２のフィルム部材４６は、基端部が回転軸４４の貼付面４４ａに、例えば両面テープを介して固着される。
具体的には、回転軸４４の貼付面４４ａに第２のフィルム部材４６が両面テープ（ＡＤ）を介してその基端部を貼付され、続いて、第１のフィルム部材４５が、その基端部を第２のフィルム部材４６に重ねて貼付されている。その結果、アジテータ４３は、回転軸４４の回転方向（図４（ａ）中の矢印参照）に対して、第１のフィルム部材４５が下流側、第２のフィルム部材４６が上流側に配置されることになる。 As for the 1st film member 45 and the 2nd film member 46, a base end part adheres to the sticking surface 44a of the rotating shaft 44 via a double-sided tape, for example.
Specifically, the second film member 46 is affixed to the affixing surface 44a of the rotating shaft 44 via a double-sided tape (AD), and then the first film member 45 is affixed to the proximal end. The portion is stuck on the second film member 46. As a result, in the agitator 43, the first film member 45 is disposed on the downstream side and the second film member 46 is disposed on the upstream side with respect to the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 44 (see the arrow in FIG. 4A). Will be.

回転方向下流側に配置された第１のフィルム部材４５の厚みをｔ１、回転方向上流側に配置された第２のフィルム部材４６の厚みをｔ２としたときに、それぞれのフィルム部材の厚みは、ｔ１＞ｔ２とされている。
具体的には、第１のフィルム部材の厚みｔ１は７５μｍ〜２５０μｍ、好ましくは１００μ〜１５０μｍ、第２のフィルム部材４６の厚みｔ２は３０〜７０μｍ、好ましくは４０〜６０μｍの範囲内である。 When the thickness of the first film member 45 disposed on the downstream side in the rotation direction is t1, and the thickness of the second film member 46 disposed on the upstream side in the rotation direction is t2, the thickness of each film member is t1> t2.
Specifically, the thickness t1 of the first film member is 75 μm to 250 μm, preferably 100 μm to 150 μm, and the thickness t2 of the second film member 46 is 30 to 70 μm, preferably 40 to 60 μm.

第１のフィルム部材４５の厚みが２５０μｍを超えると、トナー収容部４１ｂ内に貯留されたトナー内で回転するときの回転抵抗が増大し、また、第１のフィルム部材４５の厚みが７５μｍ以下では、撹拌されるトナーの紛体抵抗により変形して好ましくない。
第２のフィルム部材４６の厚みが３０μｍ以下では、トナーの搬送性能が劣り、一方、８０μｍを越えるとトナー収容部４１ｂの内壁との摺擦音が増大して好ましくない。 When the thickness of the first film member 45 exceeds 250 μm, the rotational resistance when rotating in the toner stored in the toner accommodating portion 41 b increases, and when the thickness of the first film member 45 is 75 μm or less. It is not preferable that the toner is deformed by the powder resistance of the agitated toner.
If the thickness of the second film member 46 is 30 μm or less, the toner conveyance performance is inferior. On the other hand, if the thickness exceeds 80 μm, the rubbing noise with the inner wall of the toner containing portion 41b increases.

第１のフィルム部材４５の回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最小半径の長さよりも短く、第２のフィルム部材４６の回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最大半径の長さよりも長く設定されている。
具体的には、第１のフィルム部材４５の回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最小半径の長さよりも短く設定されて、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁面と第１のフィルム部材４５の先端との間隙Ｇは１ｍｍ以下、好ましくは０．５ｍｍ以下の範囲内である。間隙Ｇが１ｍｍを超えると、トナーの撹拌・搬送能力が減少する。
第２のフィルム部材４６の回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最大半径の長さよりも２ｍｍ、好ましくは０．５ｍｍ〜１ｍｍ長く設定されている。第２のフィルム部材４６の回転半径方向の長さが、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最大半径の長さよりも２ｍｍを超えて長く設定された場合、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁を摺擦したときのへたり量が大きくなりトナー搬送性に劣り、また、摺擦音が増大して好ましくない。 The length of the first film member 45 in the rotational radius direction is shorter than the length of the minimum radius of the inner wall of the toner accommodating portion 41b, and the length of the second film member 46 in the rotational radius direction is the length of the toner accommodating portion 41b. It is set longer than the maximum radius of the inner wall.
Specifically, the length of the first film member 45 in the rotational radius direction is set to be shorter than the length of the minimum radius of the inner wall of the toner container 41b, and the inner wall surface of the toner container 41b and the first film. The gap G with the tip of the member 45 is 1 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or less. When the gap G exceeds 1 mm, the toner stirring / conveying ability decreases.
The length of the second film member 46 in the rotational radius direction is set to be 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1 mm longer than the length of the maximum radius of the inner wall of the toner accommodating portion 41b. When the length in the rotational radius direction of the second film member 46 is set to be longer than 2 mm than the length of the maximum radius of the inner wall of the toner containing portion 41b, the second film member 46 is rubbed with the inner wall of the toner containing portion 41b. The amount of sag is increased, the toner transportability is inferior, and the rubbing noise is increased.

第１のフィルム部材４５は、少なくとも現像ハウジング４１の送出口４１ｃの幅方向長さで形成され、回転軸４４の軸方向におけるそれぞれのフィルム部材も幅は第１のフィルム部材４５の幅をＷ１、第２のフィルム部材４６の幅をＷ２としたときに、Ｗ１＜Ｗ２とされている。
具体的には、図４（ｂ）に示すように、第１のフィルム部材４５は、現像ハウジング４１の送出口４１ｃの幅よりも両端側において、それぞれ１ｍｍ〜２ｍｍ幅広く形成され、送出口４１ｃの両側端領域におけるトナーを撹拌し、流動性の低下を抑制している。
第２のフィルム部材４６は、第１のフィルム部材４５よりも幅広く形成され、送出口４１ｃを介して、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーを余すことなく現像部４１ａへ供給している。 The first film member 45 is formed with at least the width direction length of the delivery port 41c of the developing housing 41, and the width of each film member in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 44 is the width of the first film member 45, W1. When the width of the second film member 46 is W2, W1 <W2.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first film member 45 is formed to have a width of 1 mm to 2 mm wider at both ends than the width of the delivery port 41c of the development housing 41, and The toner in the both end regions is agitated to suppress a decrease in fluidity.
The second film member 46 is formed wider than the first film member 45, and supplies the toner in the toner storage portion 41b to the developing portion 41a through the delivery port 41c without leaving any excess.

第１のフィルム部材４５及び第２のフィルム部材４６は、共に弾性のある部材で構成されており、好ましくは、ポリエステルなどで構成された二軸延伸フィルム、例えばＰＥＴ（ポリエチレンテレフタレート）シートが好適である。   Both the first film member 45 and the second film member 46 are made of elastic members, and preferably a biaxially stretched film made of polyester or the like, for example, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet is suitable. is there.

（３）作用・効果
次に、本実施形態に係る現像装置４０の作用・効果についてについて説明するが、先に、比較例の現像装置１００の問題点について説明する。
尚、以下の説明において、それぞれの現像装置における共通の構成要素には、同一の符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。 (3) Actions / Effects Next, actions / effects of the developing device 40 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, problems of the developing device 100 of the comparative example will be described.
In the following description, common components in the respective developing devices are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

「比較例」
図７は、現像ローラ４２を除いて表した比較例の現像装置１００の要部断面模式図である。
感光体ユニット３０は、感光体ドラム３１を備え、回転する感光体ドラム３１の表面は、帯電ローラ３２により帯電され、露光装置５０から出射するレーザビームＬＢにより静電潜像が形成される。感光体ドラム３１上に形成された静電潜像は現像ローラ４２によりトナー像として現像される。
現像装置１００は、内部にアジテータ１１０を有し、このアジテータ１１０で撹拌したトナーを現像ローラ４２に向けて搬送するトナー収容部４１ｂと、トナー収容部４１ｂに供給されるトナーを収容したトナー収容室４９とを有している。
アジテータ１１０は、フィルム部材の一端が回転軸に固定され、他端がトナー収容部４１ｂの内壁面を摺擦しながら回転駆動して、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーを撹拌・搬送する。 "Comparative example"
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an essential part of a developing device 100 of a comparative example, excluding the developing roller 42.
The photoreceptor unit 30 includes a photoreceptor drum 31. The surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum 31 is charged by a charging roller 32, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by a laser beam LB emitted from the exposure device 50. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 is developed as a toner image by the developing roller 42.
The developing device 100 includes an agitator 110 therein, a toner accommodating portion 41b that conveys toner stirred by the agitator 110 toward the developing roller 42, and a toner accommodating chamber that accommodates toner supplied to the toner accommodating portion 41b. 49.
In the agitator 110, one end of the film member is fixed to the rotation shaft, and the other end is rotationally driven while rubbing against the inner wall surface of the toner containing portion 41b to stir and convey the toner in the toner containing portion 41b.

トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーは、トナー像の形成によって消費され、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーの量が所定量を下回るとトナー収容室４９からトナー収容部４１ｂ内に新たなトナーが供給される。
一方、トナー像として形成される画像の画像密度によってトナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーの消費量は増減し、画像密度が低い画像が連続して多量に形成されると、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーの消費が少ない状態で、トナー収容部４１ｂ内にはトナー収容室４９から供給されたトナーが蓄積されてトナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナー貯留量が増大する。 The toner in the toner container 41b is consumed by forming a toner image. When the amount of toner in the toner container 41b falls below a predetermined amount, new toner is supplied from the toner container 49 into the toner container 41b. .
On the other hand, the amount of toner consumed in the toner container 41b increases or decreases depending on the image density of the image formed as a toner image. When a large amount of images having a low image density is continuously formed, the toner in the toner container 41b is increased. In the state where the consumption of toner is small, the toner supplied from the toner storage chamber 49 is accumulated in the toner storage portion 41b, and the toner storage amount in the toner storage portion 41b is increased.

トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナー貯留量が増大した状態で、アジテータ１１０が回転すると、貯留されたトナーによってアジテータ１１０のフィルム部材が大きな負荷を受けて、フィルム部材が回転軸に巻付いて撹拌・搬送が阻害される虞があった。
特に、画像形成装置１が高温・高湿環境で使用されるときには、トナーが吸湿してアジテータ１１０の受ける回転負荷が増大しやすい。 When the agitator 110 rotates while the amount of toner stored in the toner container 41b is increased, the film member of the agitator 110 is subjected to a large load by the stored toner, and the film member is wound around the rotation shaft and stirred and conveyed. There was a risk of being disturbed.
In particular, when the image forming apparatus 1 is used in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the toner absorbs moisture and the rotational load received by the agitator 110 tends to increase.

フィルム部材の厚みを厚くした場合、貯留されたトナーの撹拌・搬送性は向上するが、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁との摺擦音が増大するという問題があった。
また、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁と接触しながら回転するフィルム部材の先端が送出口４１ｃの開口部で跳ねて、トナーが現像部４１ａと現像ローラ４２との間隙から吹き出すという問題があった（図４中矢印参照）。 When the thickness of the film member is increased, the agitation / conveyance of the stored toner is improved, but there is a problem that the rubbing noise with the inner wall of the toner accommodating portion 41b increases.
In addition, there is a problem in that the tip of the film member that rotates while contacting the inner wall of the toner containing portion 41b jumps at the opening of the delivery port 41c, and the toner blows out from the gap between the developing portion 41a and the developing roller 42 (FIG. (See middle arrow 4).

「本実施形態」
本実施形態に係る現像装置４０のトナー収容部４１ｂ内には、第１のフィルム部材４５と第２のフィルム部材４６とが重ね合わされた状態で回転軸４４にその基端部が固定されて配置されている。そして、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナー貯留量が増大した状態で、アジテータ４３が回転すると、回転方向下流側に配置された厚みの厚い第１のフィルム部材４５で貯留されたトナーを撹拌し、撹拌されて流動性が付与されたトナーを厚みの薄い第２のフィルム部材４６で搬送する。 "This embodiment"
In the toner accommodating portion 41b of the developing device 40 according to the present embodiment, the base end portion is fixed to the rotating shaft 44 in a state where the first film member 45 and the second film member 46 are overlaid. Has been. Then, when the agitator 43 rotates in a state where the toner storage amount in the toner storage portion 41b is increased, the toner stored by the thick first film member 45 disposed on the downstream side in the rotation direction is stirred and stirred. Then, the fluidized toner is conveyed by the second film member 46 having a small thickness.

第１のフィルム部材４５の回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最小半径の長さよりも短く設定されているために、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁と摺擦することがなく、撹拌性を確保しながら摺擦音が抑制されている。
また、第１のフィルム部材４５の先端が送出口４１ｃの開口部で跳ねることがなく、現像部４１ａと現像ローラ４２との間隙からのトナー吹き出しを抑制することができる。
第２のフィルム部材４６の回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最大半径の長さよりも長く設定されているために、第１のフィルム部材４５で撹拌されて流動性が付与されたトナーをトナー収容部４１ｂの内壁と接触しながら余すことなく搬送する。 Since the length of the first film member 45 in the rotational radius direction is set to be shorter than the minimum radius of the inner wall of the toner containing portion 41b, the first film member 45 does not rub against the inner wall of the toner containing portion 41b. The rubbing noise is suppressed while ensuring agitation.
In addition, the leading end of the first film member 45 does not jump at the opening of the delivery port 41c, and toner blowing out from the gap between the developing unit 41a and the developing roller 42 can be suppressed.
Since the length of the second film member 46 in the rotational radius direction is set to be longer than the length of the maximum radius of the inner wall of the toner accommodating portion 41b, the second film member 46 is agitated by the first film member 45 to impart fluidity. The toner is transported without leaving the toner while contacting the inner wall of the toner container 41b.

第１のフィルム部材４５は、現像ハウジング４１の送出口４１ｃの幅よりも両端側において、それぞれ１ｍｍ〜２ｍｍ幅広く形成され、送出口４１ｃの両側端領域におけるトナーの撹拌による流動性の低下を抑制することができる。
第２のフィルム部材４６は、第１のフィルム部材４５よりも幅広く形成され、送出口４１ｃを介して、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーを余すことなく現像部４１ａへ供給することができる。 The first film member 45 is formed to have a width of 1 mm to 2 mm wider at both ends than the width of the delivery port 41c of the development housing 41, and suppresses a decrease in fluidity due to toner agitation in both side end regions of the delivery port 41c. be able to.
The second film member 46 is formed wider than the first film member 45, and can supply the toner in the toner storage portion 41b to the developing portion 41a through the delivery port 41c without leaving any excess.

「第２実施形態」
本実施形態の現像装置４０Ａの基本構成は第１実施形態の現像装置４０と同様であり、撹拌搬送手段としてのアジテータ４３Ａが、回転方向下流側に配置された第１のフィルム部材４５Ａの厚みをｔ１、回転方向上流側に配置された第２のフィルム部材４６Ａの厚みをｔ２としたときに、それぞれのフィルム部材の厚みが、ｔ１＜ｔ２とされている点で第１実施形態と異なっている。
以下、本実施形態の現像装置４０Ａについて図面を参照しながら説明するが、第１実施形態に係る現像装置４０と共通の構成要素には、同一の符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。 “Second Embodiment”
The basic configuration of the developing device 40A of the present embodiment is the same as that of the developing device 40 of the first embodiment, and the thickness of the first film member 45A disposed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the agitator 43A as the agitating and conveying means. t1, when the thickness of the second film member 46A disposed on the upstream side in the rotation direction is t2, the thickness of each film member is different from that of the first embodiment in that t1 <t2. .
Hereinafter, the developing device 40A of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the same components as those of the developing device 40 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. .

（１）アジテータの構成
図５（ａ）は本実施形態に係る現像装置４０Ａが備える撹拌搬送手段としてのアジテータ４３Ａの斜視図、図５（ｂ）はアジテータ４３Ａの縦断面図、図６（ａ）は現像ローラ４２を除いて表した現像装置４０Ａの要部断面模式図、図６（ｂ）は送出口４１ｃとフィルム部材４５Ａ、４６Ａとの現像装置巾方向の関係を示した模式図である。
アジテータ４３Ａは、回転軸４４と、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーを回転しながら撹拌・搬送する第１のフィルム部材４５Ａ及び第２のフィルム部材４６Ａと、回転軸４４の両側端に形成された軸部４７、４７と、から構成され、現像ハウジング４１のトナー収容部４１ｂの両側壁に回転可能に軸支されている。 (1) Configuration of Agitator FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an agitator 43A as an agitating and conveying means provided in the developing device 40A according to this embodiment, FIG. 5B is a longitudinal sectional view of the agitator 43A, and FIG. ) Is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the developing device 40A, excluding the developing roller 42, and FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship in the developing device width direction between the delivery port 41c and the film members 45A and 46A. .
The agitator 43A includes a rotation shaft 44, first and second film members 45A and 46A that stir and convey the toner in the toner container 41b while rotating, and shafts formed on both ends of the rotation shaft 44. 47, and is rotatably supported on both side walls of the toner accommodating portion 41b of the developing housing 41.

第１のフィルム部材４５Ａ及び第２のフィルム部材４６Ａは、基端部が回転軸４４の貼付面４４ａに、例えば両面テープ（ＡＤ）を介して固着され、回転軸４４の回転方向に対して、第１のフィルム部材４５Ａが下流側、第２のフィルム部材４６Ａが上流側に配置されている。   The first film member 45 </ b> A and the second film member 46 </ b> A have base ends fixed to the application surface 44 a of the rotation shaft 44 via, for example, a double-sided tape (AD), and with respect to the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 44. The first film member 45A is disposed on the downstream side, and the second film member 46A is disposed on the upstream side.

回転方向下流側に配置された第１のフィルム部材４５Ａの厚みをｔ１、回転方向上流側に配置された第２のフィルム部材４６Ａの厚みをｔ２としたときに、それぞれのフィルム部材の厚みは、ｔ１＜ｔ２とされている。
具体的には、第１のフィルム部材４５Ａの厚みｔ１は３０〜７０μｍ、好ましくは４０〜６０μｍの範囲内、第２のフィルム部材４６Ａの厚みｔ２は７５μｍ〜２５０μｍ、好ましくは１００μ〜１５０μｍの範囲内である。 When the thickness of the first film member 45A disposed on the downstream side in the rotational direction is t1, and the thickness of the second film member 46A disposed on the upstream side in the rotational direction is t2, the thickness of each film member is t1 <t2.
Specifically, the thickness t1 of the first film member 45A is in the range of 30 to 70 μm, preferably 40 to 60 μm, and the thickness t2 of the second film member 46A is in the range of 75 μm to 250 μm, preferably 100 μm to 150 μm. It is.

第１のフィルム部材４５Ａの回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最大半径の長さよりも長く、第２のフィルム部材４６Ａの回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最小半径の長さよりも短く設定されている。
具体的には、第１のフィルム部材４５Ａの回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最大半径の長さよりも２ｍｍ、好ましくは０．５ｍｍ〜１ｍｍ長く設定されている。第２のフィルム部材４６Ａの回転半径方向の長さは、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁の最小半径の長さよりも短く設定されて、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁面と第２のフィルム部材４６Ａの先端との間隙Ｇは１ｍｍ以下、好ましくは０．５ｍｍ以下の範囲内である。 The length in the rotational radius direction of the first film member 45A is longer than the length of the maximum radius of the inner wall of the toner accommodating portion 41b, and the length in the rotational radius direction of the second film member 46A is the length of the toner accommodating portion 41b. It is set shorter than the minimum radius of the inner wall.
Specifically, the length of the first film member 45A in the rotational radius direction is set to be 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1 mm longer than the length of the maximum radius of the inner wall of the toner containing portion 41b. The length in the rotational radius direction of the second film member 46A is set to be shorter than the length of the minimum radius of the inner wall of the toner storage portion 41b, and the inner wall surface of the toner storage portion 41b and the tip of the second film member 46A. The gap G is 1 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or less.

第１のフィルム部材４５Ａは、少なくとも現像ハウジング４１の送出口４１ｃの幅方向長さで形成され、第２のフィルム部材４６Ａは、回転軸４４の軸方向の両端側に配置されている。
具体的には、図６（ｂ）に示すように、第１のフィルム部材４５Ａは、現像ハウジング４１の送出口４１ｃの幅よりも両端側において、それぞれ１ｍｍ〜２ｍｍ幅広く形成され、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナーを余すことなく送出口４１ｃを介して現像部４１ａへ供給している。
第２のフィルム部材４６Ａ、４６Ａは、回転軸４４の軸方向の両端側で、その回転軸方向の内側端が、現像ハウジング４１の送出口４１ｃの開口部と少なくともオーバーラップする幅で形成され、送出口４１ｃの両側端領域におけるトナーを撹拌し、流動性の低下を抑制している。 The first film member 45 </ b> A is formed at least in the width direction length of the delivery port 41 c of the developing housing 41, and the second film member 46 </ b> A is disposed on both ends in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 44.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first film member 45A is formed to have a width of 1 mm to 2 mm wider at both ends than the width of the delivery port 41c of the developing housing 41, and the toner accommodating portion 41b. The toner inside is supplied to the developing unit 41a through the delivery port 41c without leaving any excess.
The second film members 46 </ b> A and 46 </ b> A are formed with a width that at least overlaps with the opening of the delivery port 41 c of the developing housing 41 at both ends in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 44. The toner in the both end regions of the delivery port 41c is agitated to suppress a decrease in fluidity.

（２）作用・効果
本実施形態に係る現像装置４０Ａは、回転方向上流側に配置された厚みの厚い第２のフィルム部材４６Ａで、回転方向下流側に配置された厚みの薄い第１のフィルム部材４５Ａを背面から後押ししながら回転する。
そのために、トナー収容部４１ｂ内のトナー貯留量が増大した状態で、貯留されたトナーによって第１のフィルム部材４５Ａが大きな負荷を受けた場合であっても、第１のフィルム部材４５Ａが回転軸４４に巻付いて撹拌・搬送が阻害される不具合を抑制することができる。
また、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁面と接触した第１のフィルム部材４５Ａの先端の波打ちが抑制され、トナーをトナー収容部４１ｂの巾方向において均一に搬送することができる。
さらに、トナー収容部４１ｂの内壁面と接触しながら回転する第１のフィルム部材４５Ａの厚みを３０〜７０μｍ、好ましくは４０〜６０μｍの範囲内に設定することができるために、第１のフィルム部材４５Ａの先端の送出口４１ｃの開口部で跳ねを抑制し、現像部４１ａと現像ローラ４２との間隙からのトナー吹き出しを防止することができる。 (2) Action / Effect The developing device 40A according to the present embodiment is a thick second film member 46A disposed on the upstream side in the rotational direction, and the first thin film disposed on the downstream side in the rotational direction. It rotates while pushing the member 45A from the back.
Therefore, even when the first film member 45A is subjected to a large load by the stored toner in a state where the toner storage amount in the toner storage portion 41b is increased, the first film member 45A is not rotated. It is possible to suppress the trouble that the wrapping around 44 is hindered in the stirring and transport.
Further, the undulation at the tip of the first film member 45A that is in contact with the inner wall surface of the toner containing portion 41b is suppressed, and the toner can be uniformly conveyed in the width direction of the toner containing portion 41b.
Further, since the thickness of the first film member 45A that rotates while being in contact with the inner wall surface of the toner accommodating portion 41b can be set within the range of 30 to 70 μm, preferably 40 to 60 μm, the first film member Splashing can be suppressed at the opening of the delivery port 41c at the tip of 45A, and toner blowout from the gap between the developing unit 41a and the developing roller 42 can be prevented.

以上、本発明の実施形態として、具体例を挙げて説明したが、本発明の技術的範囲は前記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々の変更を加えることが可能である。   The embodiments of the present invention have been described with specific examples. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is possible.

例えば、磁性一成分トナーを用いた現像装置に限らず、非磁性一成分トナーを用いた現像装置にも適用することができ、画像形成装置としては、モノクロ印刷用の画像形成装置のみならず、カラー印刷用の画像形成装置とすることもできる。   For example, the present invention can be applied not only to a developing device using a magnetic one-component toner but also to a developing device using a non-magnetic one-component toner. As an image forming apparatus, not only an image forming apparatus for monochrome printing, An image forming apparatus for color printing can also be provided.

１・・・画像形成装置
１０・・・制御装置
１１・・・コントローラ
１２・・・画像処理部
１３・・・電源装置
２０・・・給紙装置
２１・・・用紙積載板
２２・・・用紙引き出し部
２３・・・レジストローラ対
３０・・・感光体ユニット
３１・・・感光体ドラム
３２・・・帯電ローラ
４０、４０Ａ、１００・・・現像装置
４１・・・現像ハウジング
４１ａ・・・現像部
４１ｂ・・・トナー収容部
４１ｃ・・・送出口
４２・・・現像ローラ
４３・・・アジテータ
４４・・・回転軸
４４ａ・・・貼付面
４４ｂ・・・ホルダー部
４５、４５Ａ・・・第１のフィルム部材
４６、４６Ａ・・・第２のフィルム部材
４７・・・軸部
４８・・・層規制ブレード
４９・・・トナー収容室
５０・・・露光装置
６０・・・転写装置
７０・・・定着装置
ＡＤ・・・両面テープ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 10 ... Control apparatus 11 ... Controller 12 ... Image processing part 13 ... Power supply device 20 ... Paper feed device 21 ... Paper stacking plate 22 ... Paper Drawer 23 ... Registration roller pair 30 ... Photosensitive unit 31 ... Photosensitive drum 32 ... Charging rollers 40, 40A, 100 ... Developing device 41 ... Developing housing 41a ... Developing Part 41b... Toner containing part 41c .. delivery port 42 .. developing roller 43... Agitator 44 .. rotating shaft 44a .. sticking surface 44b ... holder part 45, 45A. 1 film member 46, 46A ... second film member 47 ... shaft 48 ... layer regulating blade 49 ... toner storage chamber 50 ... exposure device 60 ... transfer device 70 ...・ Fixing device AD ・ ・ ・ Double-sided tape

Claims (3)

トナーを収容すると共に内部のトナーを送出する送出口が設けられたハウジングと、
前記ハウジング内に回転駆動されるように軸支された回転軸と、
前記ハウジング内壁に沿いつつ外ハウジングに収容されたトナーを攪拌しながら搬送して前記送出口から送り出すフィルム部材と、を備え、
前記フィルム部材が、２枚が重ね合わされた状態で前記回転軸にその基端部が固定され、回転方向下流側に配置された第１のフィルム部材の厚みをｔ１、回転方向上流側に配置された第２のフィルム部材の厚みをｔ２としたときに、ｔ１＞ｔ２であり、前記第１のフィルム部材の回転半径方向の長さが、前記ハウジングの内壁の最小半径の長さよりも短く、前記第２のフィルム部材の回転半径方向の長さが、前記ハウジングの内壁の最大半径の長さよりも長く設定されている、
ことを特徴とする現像装置。 A housing provided with a delivery port for containing the toner and delivering the toner inside;
A rotating shaft pivotally supported so as to be rotationally driven in the housing;
A film member that conveys the toner contained in the outer housing while stirring along the inner wall of the housing and sends out the toner from the outlet.
The base end portion of the film member is fixed to the rotating shaft in a state where the two film members are overlapped, and the thickness of the first film member disposed on the downstream side in the rotational direction is t1, and disposed on the upstream side in the rotational direction. the thickness of the second film member is taken as t2 was, t1> t2 der is, radial direction of the length of the first film member is shorter than the minimum radius of the length of the inner wall of the housing, The length in the rotational radius direction of the second film member is set to be longer than the length of the maximum radius of the inner wall of the housing .
A developing device. 前記第１のフィルム部材が、少なくとも前記送出口の幅方向長さで形成され、前記回転方向とは交わる方向における前記第１のフィルム部材の幅をＷ１、前記第２のフィルム部材の幅をＷ２としたときに、Ｗ１＜Ｗ２である、
ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の現像装置。 The first film member is formed at least in the width direction length of the delivery port, the width of the first film member in the direction intersecting the rotation direction is W1, and the width of the second film member is W2. When W1 <W2,
The developing device according to claim 1. 静電潜像が形成される感光体と、
前記感光体を帯電させる帯電手段と、
前記帯電手段により帯電された前記感光体に露光を行って潜像を形成する潜像形成手段と、
前記潜像形成手段によって形成された潜像を現像する請求項１又は２に記載の現像装置と、
前記現像装置の現像によって得られた画像を記録媒体に転写する転写手段と、
前記転写手段によって記録媒体に転写された画像を定着させる定着手段と、を備えた、
ことを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
Charging means for charging the photoreceptor;
Latent image forming means for forming a latent image by exposing the photoreceptor charged by the charging means;
The developing device according to claim 1 or 2 , which develops the latent image formed by the latent image forming unit.
Transfer means for transferring an image obtained by development of the developing device to a recording medium;
Fixing means for fixing the image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer means,
An image forming apparatus.
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