JPH0344665A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH0344665A JPH0344665A JP1181436A JP18143689A JPH0344665A JP H0344665 A JPH0344665 A JP H0344665A JP 1181436 A JP1181436 A JP 1181436A JP 18143689 A JP18143689 A JP 18143689A JP H0344665 A JPH0344665 A JP H0344665A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- air
- air supply
- thin layer
- blade
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 108091008695 photoreceptors Proteins 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000002776 aggregation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005054 agglomeration Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004220 aggregation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】
〔産業上の利用分野〕
本発明は、複写機等の画像形成装置に設けられる現像装
置に関するものである。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a developing device provided in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.
一般に、非磁性−成分系の現像剤が用いられる現像装置
では、現像ローラ等からなる現像剤担持体の表面にブレ
ード等からなる薄層形成部材が所定の圧力で押付けられ
、両者間の摩擦帯電で現1゛本剤に電荷が与えられるこ
とにより、この現像剤が所定の表面電位を有する感光体
に付着し、これによって顕像が形成される。すなわち、
薄層形成部材と現像剤担持体の接触圧により現像剤の帯
電量が決定され、ひいては画像状態が決定されることに
なる。Generally, in a developing device that uses a non-magnetic component type developer, a thin layer forming member such as a blade is pressed against the surface of a developer carrier such as a developing roller with a predetermined pressure, and frictional electrification occurs between the two. By imparting an electric charge to the developing agent, the developing agent adheres to the photoreceptor having a predetermined surface potential, thereby forming a developed image. That is,
The amount of charge of the developer is determined by the contact pressure between the thin layer forming member and the developer carrier, which in turn determines the state of the image.
ところが、このような現像装置では、薄層形成部材と現
像剤担持体との間に現像剤が漸次蓄積されることにより
、滞留した現像剤同士の固着が発生し、この固化された
現像剤の介在によって薄層形成部材と現像剤担持体との
間に隙間が生じ、両者の接触圧が減少するおそれがある
。このような接触圧の減少は、そのまま画像の劣化につ
ながるため、その防止が大きな課題となっている。However, in such a developing device, as the developer gradually accumulates between the thin layer forming member and the developer carrier, the stagnant developer sticks to each other, and the solidified developer is damaged. Due to the interposition, a gap may be created between the thin layer forming member and the developer carrier, and the contact pressure between the two may be reduced. Since such a decrease in contact pressure directly leads to image deterioration, prevention has become a major issue.
そこで、実開昭63−101951号公報では、薄層形
成部材の近傍に毛ブラシ等からなる現像剤凝集防止部材
を設けたものが提案されている。この凝集防止部材は、
溜った現像剤を掻き取る毛ブラシや、溜った現像剤に向
けてその供給方向にエアを吹付けるノズル等で構成され
ている。Therefore, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-101951 proposes a device in which a developer aggregation preventing member made of a bristle brush or the like is provided near the thin layer forming member. This agglomeration prevention member is
It consists of a bristle brush that scrapes off the accumulated developer, and a nozzle that blows air toward the accumulated developer in the direction in which it is supplied.
また、特開昭58−37675号公報には、薄層形成部
材(同公報では層厚規制手段)を現像剤担持体に対して
接離可能に構成し、コピー回数が所定数を超えた時点で
薄層形成部材を現像剤担持体から大きく引離し、溜った
現像剤を現像剤担持体上に載せたまま他の領域まで運ぶ
ようにしたものが示されている。Furthermore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 58-37675, a thin layer forming member (layer thickness regulating means in the same publication) is configured to be able to approach and separate from a developer carrier, and when the number of copies exceeds a predetermined number, In this example, the thin layer forming member is largely separated from the developer carrier, and the accumulated developer is carried to another area while remaining on the developer carrier.
さらに、特開昭63−118170号公報には、現像処
理の終了後、あるいは開始前に現像剤担持体を一定時間
あるいは一定角度だけ逆回転させ、これによって滞留現
像剤を除去するようにしたものが示されている。Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-118170 discloses a device in which the developer carrier is reversely rotated for a certain period of time or by a certain angle after the end of the development process or before the start of the development process, thereby removing the accumulated developer. It is shown.
〔発明が解決しようとする課題〕
実開昭63−101951号公報のものは、現像剤担持
体と薄層形成部材とで形成される空間に凝集防止部材を
設けているので、特に毛ブラシ等を用いている場合、上
記現像剤担持体と薄層形成部材とのなす角が鈍角あるい
は直角に近い角度まで確保されている装置には適用が可
能であるが、上記角度が小さい装置の場合には凝集防止
部材を配設するスペースがなく、適用が困難である。[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The device disclosed in Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-101951 is provided with an agglomeration prevention member in the space formed by the developer carrier and the thin layer forming member, so that it is particularly difficult to prevent bristle brushes, etc. is applicable to devices where the angle between the developer carrier and the thin layer forming member is an obtuse angle or close to a right angle; however, in the case of a device where the angle is small, It is difficult to apply this method because there is no space to install an agglomeration prevention member.
一方、エアを吹付けるノズルを使用する構造については
、該エアを現像剤の供給方向と略同方向に吹付けるよう
にしているので、現像剤が現像剤担持体と薄層形成部材
との間から噴出し、外部に飛散するおそれがある。また
、この装置では現像剤の滞留量が把握できないので、エ
アを吹付けるタイミングを設定するのが難しい。On the other hand, in a structure using a nozzle that sprays air, the air is sprayed in approximately the same direction as the developer supply direction, so that the developer is between the developer carrier and the thin layer forming member. There is a risk that it may spray out and scatter outside. Furthermore, since the amount of developer retained cannot be determined with this device, it is difficult to set the timing for blowing air.
さらに、このような装置では凝集防止部材自身が現像剤
の流れを乱すおそれもある。Furthermore, in such an apparatus, there is a possibility that the aggregation prevention member itself may disturb the flow of the developer.
また、特開昭58−37675号公報の装置の場合、溜
った現像剤を現像剤担持体上に担持したまま他の領域へ
運んだ後に、この現像剤担持体上の滞留現像剤を掻き落
す手段、および掻き落した現像剤を収容する容器が必要
であり、現像装置の内部構造が複雑となる不都合がある
。Furthermore, in the case of the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-37675, after the accumulated developer is carried to another area while being carried on the developer carrier, the accumulated developer on the developer carrier is scraped off. This requires a means and a container for storing the scraped developer, and there is a disadvantage that the internal structure of the developing device becomes complicated.
さらに、この公報の装置や特開昭63−118170号
公報の装置は、現像処理に加え、滞留現像剤の除去処理
を別個に行う必要があるばかりでなく、この滞留現像剤
の処理は、滞留現像剤の量に関係なく一定期間経過後(
例えば現像処理が一定回数行われた後)に行うようにし
ているので、実際には現像剤があまり溜っていない状態
でも処理動作が実行されたり、現像剤が溜っているのに
処理動作が実行されない場合が生じ、適正なタイミング
での処理が難しい。Furthermore, in the apparatus of this publication and the apparatus of JP-A No. 63-118170, not only is it necessary to separately perform the removal process of the stagnant developer in addition to the development process, but also the process of removing the stagnant developer is difficult. After a certain period of time regardless of the amount of developer (
For example, after the development process has been performed a certain number of times), the processing operation may be executed even when there is not much developer accumulated, or the processing operation may be executed even though the developer has accumulated. This makes it difficult to process at the right time.
また、組立セット時から上記接触圧を高めに設定する手
段を用いた場合には、薄層形成部材や現像剤担持体の損
耗が促進されるとともに、現像剤の帯電量が過多となっ
て画像にかぶり等が生じ易くなる不都合がある。Furthermore, if a means for setting the contact pressure to a high value is used from the time of assembly and set-up, wear and tear of the thin layer forming member and the developer carrier will be accelerated, and the amount of charge of the developer will be excessive, resulting in an image failure. There is an inconvenience that fogging or the like tends to occur.
本発明は、このような事情に鑑み、感光体担持体と薄層
形成部材との間に溜る現像剤を適正なタイミングで効果
的に除去することができる現像装置を提供することを目
的とする。In view of these circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device that can effectively remove the developer accumulated between the photoreceptor carrier and the thin layer forming member at an appropriate timing. .
本発明は、感光体近傍に配置された現像剤担持体と、こ
の現像剤担持体の表面に、対して押圧され、現像剤担持
体上に現像剤の薄層を形成する薄層形成部材とを備えた
現像装置において、上記薄層形成部材と現像剤担持体と
の間の空間に臨む位置に現像剤の供給方向と略直角な方
向に開口するエア供給口を設け、このエア供給口と別の
位置に現像装置内外を連通ずるエア流出口を設けるとと
もに、上記空間に溜る現像剤を検知する現像剤検知手段
と、この現像剤検知手段が一定量上の現像剤を検知した
後に上記エア供給口から装置内部にエアを吹付けるエア
供給手段とを備えたものである。The present invention provides a developer carrier disposed near a photoreceptor, and a thin layer forming member that is pressed against the surface of the developer carrier to form a thin layer of developer on the developer carrier. In the developing device, an air supply port opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the developer supply direction is provided at a position facing the space between the thin layer forming member and the developer carrier, and the air supply port and An air outlet is provided at a separate position to communicate the inside and outside of the developing device, and a developer detecting means detects the developer accumulated in the space, and after the developer detecting means detects a certain amount of developer, the air is The device is equipped with an air supply means for blowing air into the inside of the device from the supply port.
上記構成によれば、実際に現像剤担持体と薄層形成部材
との間に一定量上の現像剤が溜った時点で、エア供給手
段によりエア供給口から滞留現像剤に向けてその供給方
向と略直角な方向にエアが吹付けられ、これによって上
記現像剤が滞留箇所から除去される。このとき、エア流
出口から現像装置内のエアが逃がされることにより、エ
ア供給による現像装置内の急激な昇圧が防がれる。According to the above configuration, when a certain amount of developer actually accumulates between the developer carrier and the thin layer forming member, the air supply means supplies the developer from the air supply port toward the accumulated developer. Air is blown in a direction substantially perpendicular to the developer, thereby removing the developer from the stagnant area. At this time, air in the developing device is released from the air outlet, thereby preventing a sudden pressure increase in the developing device due to air supply.
本発明の一実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。 An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
第1図は、複写機等の画像形成装置内に設けられた現像
装置を示し、この現像装置は、非磁性−成分系の現像剤
りを収容するハウジング10を備えている。このハウジ
ング10は、現像剤を収容するホッパ13と、現像容器
14とからなり、この現像容器14内には、互いに接す
る現像ローラ(現像剤担持体)11および供給ローラ1
2が配設されている。これらのローラ11,12の回転
軸は、第2図にも示されるようなハウジング10の両側
壁102に回転可能に支持され、両ローラ11.12が
図外の駆動機構によって第1図の反時計回りの方向に連
動駆動されるようになっている。FIG. 1 shows a developing device installed in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and this developing device includes a housing 10 containing a non-magnetic component developer. The housing 10 is made up of a hopper 13 that accommodates developer and a developer container 14. Inside the developer container 14, a developer roller (developer carrier) 11 and a supply roller 1 are in contact with each other.
2 are arranged. The rotation axes of these rollers 11 and 12 are rotatably supported by both side walls 102 of the housing 10 as also shown in FIG. It is designed to be interlocked and driven in a clockwise direction.
上記現像ローラ11は、感光体ドラム16の近傍に配置
され、その周面上にはブレード18が配設されている。The developing roller 11 is disposed near the photosensitive drum 16, and a blade 18 is disposed on its circumferential surface.
このブレード18は、可撓性を有する薄肉の金属板20
に固定され、この金属板20の端部は現像容器14内の
内板101に固定されている。This blade 18 consists of a thin metal plate 20 having flexibility.
The end portion of this metal plate 20 is fixed to an inner plate 101 inside the developer container 14 .
一方、ハウジング側壁102にはステッピングモータ2
2が固定され、その駆動軸221に連結されたカム24
が上記金属板20を押し下げることにより、ブレード1
8の自由端部が現像ローラ11の周面上に押圧されてい
る。そして、上記ステッピングモータ22の駆動による
カム24の回転で金属板20を押圧する力が変化し、ブ
レード18と現像ローラ11との接触圧が調整されるよ
うになっている。On the other hand, a stepping motor 2 is mounted on the housing side wall 102.
2 is fixed, and the cam 24 is connected to its drive shaft 221.
By pushing down the metal plate 20, the blade 1
The free end of 8 is pressed onto the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11. The rotation of the cam 24 driven by the stepping motor 22 changes the force with which the metal plate 20 is pressed, and the contact pressure between the blade 18 and the developing roller 11 is adjusted.
さらに、この装置の特徴として、第2図にも示されるよ
うに、一方のハウジング側壁102の適所に圧力センサ
(現像剤検出手段)26が組込まれている。この圧力セ
ンサ26は、現像ローラ11の周面とブレード18の下
面とに囲まれた空間に臨み、かつ、この空間内に一定量
上の現像剤が溜った時点で同現像剤と接触する位置に配
されており、その検知信号は、第2図に示されるような
制御装置(マイクロコンピュータ;エア供給手段を構成
)28に人力されるようになっている。Further, as a feature of this device, as shown in FIG. 2, a pressure sensor (developer detection means) 26 is incorporated in a proper position on one side wall 102 of the housing. This pressure sensor 26 faces a space surrounded by the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 and the lower surface of the blade 18, and is located at a position where it comes into contact with the developer when a certain amount of developer has accumulated in this space. The detection signal is manually inputted to a control device (microcomputer; constituting the air supply means) 28 as shown in FIG.
また、第2図および第3図に示されるように、両ハウジ
ング側壁102において圧力センサ26よりも若干現像
剤供給方向下流側に位置する部分には、上記方向に直角
な方向、すなわち装置の内側方向に開口する一対のエア
供給口103が設けられている。このエア供給口10B
には、エアホース29を介してファン等からなるエア供
給装置(エア供給手段を構成)30が接続されており、
このエア供給装置30によって現像装置内にエアが吹付
けられるようになっている。As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a portion of both housing side walls 102 located slightly downstream of the pressure sensor 26 in the developer supply direction is provided with A pair of air supply ports 103 opening in the direction are provided. This air supply port 10B
An air supply device (constituting air supply means) 30 consisting of a fan or the like is connected via an air hose 29.
This air supply device 30 blows air into the developing device.
このエア吹付けのタイミングは、上記制御装置28によ
り制御される。具体的には、上記圧力センサ26により
検知される圧力Pが予め定められた値Poを超えた時点
、実際には圧力センサの出力電圧が一定値を超えた時点
で、制御装置28からエア供給装置30に制御信号が出
力され、エア供給装置30が作動するようになっている
。The timing of this air blowing is controlled by the control device 28 described above. Specifically, when the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor 26 exceeds a predetermined value Po, in fact, when the output voltage of the pressure sensor exceeds a certain value, the control device 28 starts supplying air. A control signal is output to the device 30, and the air supply device 30 is activated.
一方、上記内板101の適所には、その上下空間を連通
する連通口104が設けられ、この連通口104には飛
散した現像剤の通過を阻むメツシュが設けられている。On the other hand, a communication port 104 is provided at a proper location on the inner plate 101 to communicate the upper and lower spaces thereof, and this communication port 104 is provided with a mesh that prevents the scattered developer from passing through.
さらに、直上方のハウジング10の天壁には、同ノ\ウ
ジング10の内外を連通ずるエア流出口105が設けら
れている。Furthermore, an air outlet 105 is provided on the top wall of the housing 10 directly above the housing 10 to communicate the inside and outside of the housing 10.
次に、この現像装置の作用および制御装置28により行
われる制御内容を第4図のフローチャートを併せて参照
しながら説明する。Next, the operation of this developing device and the contents of control performed by the control device 28 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4.
まず、複写機のコピー動作が行われる度に、現像装置に
よる現像処理が行われる(ステップS1)。具体的には
、現像ローラ11および供給ローラ12が第1図反時計
回りの方向に回転駆動されることにより、ホッパ13か
ら現像容器14の下部に供給された現像剤が供給ローラ
12により汲上げられ、この供給ローラ12と現1象ロ
ーラ11との接触部分で若干の摩擦帯電により現像剤り
に電荷(この実施例では負の電荷)が与えられる。First, every time the copying machine performs a copying operation, a developing device performs a developing process (step S1). Specifically, the developing roller 11 and the supply roller 12 are rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. At the contact portion between the supply roller 12 and the development roller 11, a slight amount of frictional electrification causes the developer to be charged (a negative charge in this embodiment).
この現像剤りは、現像ローラ11の周面に付着した状態
で感光体ドラム16側へ運ばれ、この現像剤りは現像ロ
ーラ11の周面とブレード18との接触部分で薄層にさ
れるとともに、さらに強く摩擦帯電され、予め正の表面
電位が与えられている感光体ドラム16の周面に付着し
、これによって感光体ドラム16上に顕像が形成される
。This developer layer adheres to the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 and is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 16 side, and this developer layer is formed into a thin layer at the contact area between the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 and the blade 18. At the same time, it is even more strongly triboelectrically charged and adheres to the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor drum 16, which has been given a positive surface potential in advance, thereby forming a developed image on the photoreceptor drum 16.
このような現像処理が多数回繰返されると、第1図に示
されるようにブレード18と現像ローラ11の周面との
間に現像剤りが溜り、その量が漸次増加する。そして、
滞留現像剤りが一定量を超えると、この滞留現像剤りが
圧力センサ26に接触し始め(第1図二点鎖線)、圧力
センサ26により検知される圧力Pが上昇するとともに
、上記滞留現像剤りの介在によりブレード18と現像ロ
ーラ11との接触圧が降下し始める。When such a developing process is repeated many times, a developer accumulates between the blade 18 and the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11, as shown in FIG. 1, and the amount thereof gradually increases. and,
When the amount of accumulated developer exceeds a certain amount, this amount of accumulated developer begins to come into contact with the pressure sensor 26 (double-dashed line in FIG. 1), and the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor 26 increases, and the amount of the accumulated developer increases. Due to the presence of the agent, the contact pressure between the blade 18 and the developing roller 11 begins to decrease.
ここで、上記検知圧力Pが所定EnPoを上回った時点
で(ステップS2でYES) 、制御装置28からエア
供給装置30に制御信号が出力され、エア供給装置30
からエアホース2つおよびエア供給口103を通じて滞
留現像剤りに対しその供給方向と直角な方向にエアが吹
付けられる(ステップS3)。これによって、溜ってい
た現像剤りがその滞留場所から吹飛ばされ、ブレード1
8と現像ローラ11との接触圧が適正に保たれる。Here, when the detected pressure P exceeds the predetermined EnPo (YES in step S2), a control signal is output from the control device 28 to the air supply device 30, and the air supply device 30
Air is blown onto the accumulated developer through two air hoses and the air supply port 103 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the developer is supplied (step S3). As a result, the accumulated developer is blown away from the place where it has accumulated, and the blade 1
The contact pressure between the developing roller 8 and the developing roller 11 is maintained appropriately.
また、供給したエアに対応する量のエアは、連通口10
4からエア流出口105を通じて装置外部に逃され、こ
れによって現像装置内の昇圧が防がれる。In addition, the amount of air corresponding to the supplied air is
4 to the outside of the apparatus through an air outlet 105, thereby preventing the pressure inside the developing apparatus from increasing.
以上のように、この装置では、ブレード18と現像ロー
ラ11との間に溜った現像剤りを実際に検知し、その検
知結果に基づく適正なタイミングで上記現像剤りに対し
エアを吹付けるようにしているので、画像劣化の要因と
なる滞留現像剤りを適正なタイミングで効果的に除去す
ることができる。しかも、エアの吹付けは現像剤の供給
方向(現像ローラ11の回転方向)に対して直角な方向
(側方)から行うようにしているので、現像装置内にエ
ア供給手段を設置するためのスペースを確保する必要が
なく、また上記エアによって現像剤りがブレード18と
現像ローラ11との隙間から装置外部に飛散するおそれ
もない。ただし、本発明ではエアの吹付は方向と現像剤
の供給方向とが正確に直角である必要はない。As described above, this device actually detects the developer accumulated between the blade 18 and the developing roller 11, and blows air against the developer at an appropriate timing based on the detection result. Therefore, accumulated developer residue, which causes image deterioration, can be effectively removed at an appropriate timing. Moreover, since the air is sprayed from the direction perpendicular (to the side) to the developer supply direction (rotation direction of the developing roller 11), it is difficult to install the air supply means in the developing device. There is no need to secure a space, and there is no fear that developer particles will be scattered outside the apparatus through the gap between the blade 18 and the developing roller 11 due to the air. However, in the present invention, the direction of air blowing and the developer supply direction do not need to be exactly at right angles.
ここで、現像装置内が通常の装置と同様に完全密封され
ていると、エアの供給によって急激に昇圧し、装置内の
現像剤りが上記隙間を通じて外部に噴出、飛散するおそ
れがあるが、上記エア流出口105を設けることによっ
て昇圧を防ぐことができるとともに、連通口104にメ
ツシュを設けることによって、吹飛ばされた現像剤りが
上記エア流出口105から外部に飛散することが防止さ
れる。Here, if the inside of the developing device is completely sealed like a normal device, the pressure will rise rapidly due to the supply of air, and there is a risk that the developer inside the device will spray out and scatter outside through the gap. By providing the air outlet 105, pressure increase can be prevented, and by providing the mesh in the communication port 104, the blown developer can be prevented from scattering to the outside from the air outlet 105. .
なお、本発明はこのような実施例に限定されず、例とし
て次のような態様をとることも可能である。Note that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and may take the following embodiments as examples.
(1)本発明では、エア供給手段の種類を問わず、ファ
ン、コンプレッサー等、適宜のものを用いればよい。ま
た、マイクロコンピュータを介さず、現像剤検知手段の
検知信号によって直接エア供給手段を作動させるように
回路構成してもよい。(1) In the present invention, any suitable air supply means, such as a fan or a compressor, may be used regardless of the type of air supply means. Further, the circuit may be configured so that the air supply means is operated directly by a detection signal from the developer detection means without using a microcomputer.
(2)前記実施例では、内板101にメツシュ入りの連
通口104を設け、その上方にエア流出口105を設り
するようにしているが、上記内板104等がない場合に
は、直接エア流出口に現像剤を遮断するメツシュ等を設
けるようにしてもよい。(2) In the above embodiment, the inner plate 101 is provided with a mesh-filled communication port 104, and the air outlet 105 is provided above it. However, if the inner plate 104 etc. are not provided, A mesh or the like may be provided at the air outlet to block the developer.
この場合も、飛散した現像剤が届かない位置にエア流出
口が設けられている場合には、上記メツシュ等を設ける
必要は特にない。Also in this case, if the air outlet is provided at a position where the scattered developer cannot reach, there is no particular need to provide the mesh or the like.
(3)本発明では、エア供給口の個数、およびエア流出
口の個数および配設箇所を問わず、例えば上記実施例装
置において一方のハウジング側壁102にのみエア供給
口103を設けるようにしてもよい。この場合、対向す
る他方のハウジング側壁102にエア流出口を設けるこ
とにより、エアの流通が良くなり、除去効果が高まる。(3) In the present invention, the air supply port 103 may be provided only on one side wall 102 of the housing in the device of the above embodiment, regardless of the number of air supply ports and the number and arrangement location of the air outlet ports. good. In this case, by providing an air outlet on the other opposing housing side wall 102, air circulation is improved and the removal effect is enhanced.
(4)本発明では、現像剤検知手段の具体的な構造も問
わず、上記圧力センサの他、フォトセンサ等の他種セン
サを用いてもよい。例えばフォトセンサを用いる場合に
は、第5図に示されるように、一方のハウジング側壁1
02に発光素子31を組込み、他方のハウジング側壁1
02に受光索子32を組込むことにより、両者の間に溜
る現像剤Dの有無を検知することができる。(4) In the present invention, other types of sensors such as a photosensor may be used in addition to the pressure sensor described above, regardless of the specific structure of the developer detection means. For example, when using a photosensor, as shown in FIG.
02, and the other housing side wall 1.
By incorporating the light-receiving cable 32 into 02, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of developer D accumulated between the two.
(5)本発明では、薄層形成部材が現像剤担持体に対し
て接触圧調整可能に構成される必要は特になく、例えば
薄層形成部材が定位置に固定されている装置についても
、適用が可能である。(5) In the present invention, there is no particular need for the thin layer forming member to be configured to be able to adjust the contact pressure with respect to the developer carrier. is possible.
以上のように本発明は、薄層形成部材と現像剤担持体と
の間に溜った現像剤を実際に検知し、その検知結果に基
づくタイミングで滞留現像剤にエアを吹付けるようにし
たものであるので、画像劣化の要因となる滞留現像剤を
適正なタイミングで効果的に除去することができる。し
かも、エアの吹付は方向は現像剤の供給方向に対して略
直角な方向としているので、エア供給手段を装置内部に
設ける必要がなく、その設置スペースを確実に確保でき
るとともに、上記エアによって現像剤が薄層形成部材と
現像剤担持体との隙間から装置外部に飛散するおそれも
ない。As described above, the present invention actually detects the developer accumulated between the thin layer forming member and the developer carrier, and blows air to the accumulated developer at a timing based on the detection result. Therefore, the stagnant developer that causes image deterioration can be effectively removed at an appropriate timing. Moreover, since the air is blown in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the developer is supplied, there is no need to provide an air supply means inside the device, and the installation space can be secured reliably. There is no fear that the agent will scatter to the outside of the apparatus from the gap between the thin layer forming member and the developer carrier.
また、現像装置の内外を連通するエア流出口を設けてい
るので、エアの供給による急激な昇圧で装置内の現像剤
が隙間から外部に噴出するのを未然に防止することがで
きる。Further, since an air outlet is provided that communicates the inside and outside of the developing device, it is possible to prevent the developer in the device from being ejected to the outside from the gap due to a sudden pressure increase due to air supply.
第1図は本発明の一実施例における現像装置の断面側面
図、第2図は第1図の■−■線断面図、第3図は同装置
の要部を示す側面図、第4図は同現像装置において行わ
れる現像剤の除去動作を示すフローチャート、第5図は
他の実施例における現像装置の第2図相当の断面図であ
る。
D・・・現像剤、11・・・現像ローラ(現像剤担持体
)16・・・感光体ドラム、18・・・ブレード(薄層
形成部材)、26・・・圧力センサ(現像剤検知手段)
、28・・・制御装置(エア供給手段)、30・・・エ
ア供給装置、31・・・発光素子(現像剤検知手段)、
32・・・受光素子(現像剤検知手段)。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a side view showing the main parts of the device, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the developer removal operation performed in the developing device, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 of the developing device in another embodiment. D...Developer, 11...Developing roller (developer carrier) 16...Photosensitive drum, 18...Blade (thin layer forming member), 26...Pressure sensor (developer detection means) )
, 28...control device (air supply means), 30...air supply device, 31...light emitting element (developer detection means),
32... Light receiving element (developer detection means).
Claims (1)
剤担持体の表面に対して押圧され、現像剤担持体上に現
像剤の薄層を形成する薄層形成部材とを備えた現像装置
において、上記薄層形成部材と現像剤担持体との間の空
間に臨む位置に現像剤の供給方向と略直角な方向に開口
するエア供給口を設け、このエア供給口と別の位置に現
像装置内外を連通するエア流出口を設けるとともに、上
記空間に溜る現像剤を検知する現像剤検知手段と、この
現像剤検知手段が一定量上の現像剤を検知した後に上記
エア供給口から装置内部にエアを吹付けるエア供給手段
とを備えたことを特徴とする現像装置。1. A developer carrier disposed near the photoreceptor, and a thin layer forming member that is pressed against the surface of the developer carrier to form a thin layer of developer on the developer carrier. In the developing device, an air supply port opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the developer supply direction is provided at a position facing the space between the thin layer forming member and the developer carrier, and an air supply port is provided at a position different from the air supply port. An air outflow port communicating between the inside and outside of the developing device is provided, and a developer detection means detects the developer accumulated in the space, and after the developer detection means detects a certain amount of developer, an air outlet is provided from the air supply port. A developing device comprising an air supply means for blowing air into the inside of the device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP1181436A JPH0344665A (en) | 1989-07-12 | 1989-07-12 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP1181436A JPH0344665A (en) | 1989-07-12 | 1989-07-12 | Developing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH0344665A true JPH0344665A (en) | 1991-02-26 |
Family
ID=16100743
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP1181436A Pending JPH0344665A (en) | 1989-07-12 | 1989-07-12 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JPH0344665A (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2007139463A (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2007-06-07 | Sysmex Corp | Stirring device and sample analyzing device |
-
1989
- 1989-07-12 JP JP1181436A patent/JPH0344665A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2007139463A (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2007-06-07 | Sysmex Corp | Stirring device and sample analyzing device |
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