JPH04317085A - Sealing structure around powder carrying rotary body - Google Patents
Sealing structure around powder carrying rotary bodyInfo
- Publication number
- JPH04317085A JPH04317085A JP3085185A JP8518591A JPH04317085A JP H04317085 A JPH04317085 A JP H04317085A JP 3085185 A JP3085185 A JP 3085185A JP 8518591 A JP8518591 A JP 8518591A JP H04317085 A JPH04317085 A JP H04317085A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- powder
- carrying
- rotating body
- developer
- area
- 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
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 93
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920006311 Urethane elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BUGBHKTXTAQXES-UHFFFAOYSA-N Selenium Chemical compound [Se] BUGBHKTXTAQXES-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010974 bronze Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper tin Chemical compound [Cu].[Sn] KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001771 impaired effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 108091008695 photoreceptors Proteins 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005488 sandblasting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052711 selenium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011669 selenium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【0001】0001
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は粉体担持回転体まわりの
シール構造に関し、詳しくは複写機やファクシミリ、レ
ーザー・ビーム・プリンタ等の電子写真方式で画像を形
成する画像形成装置に用いられる現像装置の現像ローラ
、あるいはこの現像ローラによる現像に供するための静
電潜像を形成する感光ドラム等のまわりのシール構造に
利用される。[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a seal structure around a powder-carrying rotating body, and more specifically to a developing device used in image forming apparatuses that form images by electrophotography, such as copying machines, facsimile machines, and laser beam printers. It is used in a sealing structure around a developing roller of an apparatus or a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed for development by this developing roller.
【0002】0002
【従来の技術】現像ローラは多量で微細な現像剤を取り
扱って現像に供するので、この現像剤を供給する現像器
ケーシングとの間での現像剤の漏れが大きな問題となり
、従来これを防止するシール構造が種々提案されている
。[Prior Art] Since a developing roller handles a large amount of fine developer and uses it for development, leakage of the developer between the developer casing and the developer casing that supplies this developer becomes a major problem, and conventional methods have been used to prevent this. Various seal structures have been proposed.
【0003】例えば一成分現像剤を用いる現像装置の一
例が特開昭63−235970号公報の第2図、第4図
に開示されている。For example, an example of a developing device using a one-component developer is disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 4 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 63-235970.
【0004】このものは、アルミニウム等の金属製現像
ローラにおける現像器ケーシングの現像剤供給口部に対
向する現像剤担持領域の側周面をいわゆる梨地として搬
送力を高め、現像剤の供給を充分に行えるようにしてい
る。[0004] In this developing roller made of a metal such as aluminum, the side circumferential surface of the developer carrying area facing the developer supply opening of the developer casing is made with a so-called satin finish to increase the conveying force and to ensure sufficient developer supply. We are making it possible to do so.
【0005】これに対し現像ローラの前記現像剤担持領
域の両側には平滑面とした現像剤非担持領域が設けられ
、これが現像器ケーシングの現像剤供給口部の左右両側
口縁と対向するようにしている。On the other hand, smooth developer-free areas are provided on both sides of the developer-carrying area of the developing roller, and these areas face the left and right edges of the developer supply port of the developer casing. I have to.
【0006】そして現像ローラと現像器ケーシングの現
像剤供給口部の上下口縁との間は、上部口縁から現像ロ
ーラの現像剤担持領域および現像剤非担持領域の側周面
上に延びて圧接する現像剤の層厚規制用の弾性ブレード
と、下部口縁から現像ローラの現像剤担持領域および現
像剤非担持領域の側周面上に延びて圧接するシール片と
によってシールし、現像ローラと現像器ケーシングの現
像剤供給口部の左右両側口縁との間は、この左右両側口
縁部に貼り付ける等して現像ローラの現像剤非担持領域
の平滑な側周面上に圧接するようにした固設のシールパ
ッドによってシールしている。[0006] The gap between the developing roller and the upper and lower edges of the developer supply port of the developer casing extends from the upper edge to the side peripheral surfaces of the developer carrying area and the developer non-bearing area of the developing roller. The developing roller is sealed by an elastic blade for regulating the layer thickness of the developer that comes into pressure contact with the developer roller, and a seal piece that extends from the lower lip edge onto the side peripheral surfaces of the developer carrying area and non-developing area of the developing roller and comes into pressure contact with the developing roller. and the left and right mouth edges of the developer supply port of the developer casing are pressed onto the smooth side circumferential surface of the developer non-carrying area of the developing roller by pasting them on the left and right mouth edges. It is sealed by a fixed seal pad.
【0007】これにより現像ローラと現像器ケーシング
の現像剤供給口部との間はその口縁全周においてシール
でき、現像剤の漏れが防止される。[0007] Accordingly, the gap between the developing roller and the developer supply port of the developer casing can be sealed around the entire circumference of the opening, thereby preventing leakage of the developer.
【0008】[0008]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかし前記のようなシ
ール構造でも、現像剤はときとして側方に漏れ出し問題
となる。However, even with the above-mentioned sealing structure, a problem arises in that the developer sometimes leaks to the sides.
【0009】現像ローラの現像剤非担持領域は平滑な側
周面を持ち、前記現像器ケーシングの現像剤供給口部の
左右両側口縁のシールパッドとよく密着する。しかし現
像ローラの現像剤担持領域に担持され感光体側に搬送さ
れる現像剤は、前記弾性ブレードによって層規制されて
弾性ブレードから抜けた時点以降に自由となり、搬送さ
れる途中で現像剤担持領域からその側方の現像剤非担持
領域上にはみ出すことがある。The developer non-carrying area of the developing roller has a smooth side circumferential surface, and is in close contact with seal pads on both left and right edges of the developer supply port of the developer casing. However, the developer carried on the developer carrying area of the developing roller and conveyed to the photoreceptor side is layer-regulated by the elastic blade and becomes free after it comes out of the elastic blade, and the developer leaves the developer carrying area while being conveyed. It may protrude onto the developer-free area on the side.
【0010】このはみ出した現像剤は現像器ケーシング
の現像剤供給口部に戻った位置で前記シール片によって
掻き落とされる。ところが前記シール片は現像剤担持領
域に担持されて現像に供された後の残留現像剤を現像器
ケーシング内に通り抜けさせて回収されることを可能と
しながら、現像器ケーシング内から現像剤が抜け出すの
を防止するように設けられるものである。The overflowing developer is scraped off by the seal piece at a position returning to the developer supply opening of the developer casing. However, the seal piece allows residual developer carried in the developer carrying area and subjected to development to pass into the developer casing and be collected, but does not allow the developer to escape from the developer casing. It is provided to prevent this.
【0011】このためシール片は前記現像剤非担持領域
にはみ出して搬送されてくる現像剤に対する掻取り作用
は弱く、充分な掻取りは行えない。For this reason, the sealing piece has a weak scraping effect on the developer that is being conveyed and protrudes into the developer non-carrying area, and cannot sufficiently scrape off the developer.
【0012】したがって現像剤非担持領域にはみ出した
現像剤の一部は、前記シール片と現像剤非担持領域との
圧接部を抜け、シールパッドと現像剤非担持領域との間
に侵入する。[0012] Therefore, a portion of the developer that has protruded into the developer non-carrying area passes through the pressure contact portion between the seal piece and the developer non-carrying area and enters between the seal pad and the developer non-carrying area.
【0013】ところで現像ローラの現像剤非担持領域は
平滑面であるため現像剤に対する搬送作用は弱いが、前
記シールパッドと現像剤非担持領域との間に侵入してく
る現像剤には幾分かの搬送作用を及ぼす。このため現像
剤非担持領域は前記シールパッドとの間に侵入してくる
現像剤をシールパッドとの間で順次随伴させていき、随
伴する現像剤を徐々に外方に拡がらせて終には側方に漏
れ出させてしまう。By the way, since the developer non-carrying area of the developing roller is a smooth surface, the conveyance effect on the developer is weak, but the developer that enters between the seal pad and the developer non-carrying area is somewhat affected. exerts a transporting effect. For this reason, the developer non-carrying area sequentially entrains the developer that enters between the seal pad and the seal pad, and gradually spreads the entrained developer outward. leaks to the sides.
【0014】そこで本発明は、粉体担持回転体の粉体担
持領域から粉体が側方にはみ出しても、これを前記ケー
シング内に回収することができ、前記従来のような問題
を解消することができる粉体担持回転体回りのシール構
造を提供することを課題とするものである。Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems by being able to collect the powder into the casing even if the powder protrudes laterally from the powder-carrying area of the powder-carrying rotating body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sealing structure around a powder-carrying rotating body that can perform the following steps.
【0015】[0015]
【課題を解決するための手段】本願第1の発明は、粉体
を供給ないし回収するケーシングの前記供給ないし回収
を行う口部に面して設けられた粉体担持回転体と、前記
口部との間をシールする粉体担持回転体まわりのシール
構造において、粉体担持回転体の粉体担持領域の両側に
ある粉体非担持領域の側周面と摺接するように前記口部
の口縁に設けられたシール部材の内側縁を、粉体担持回
転体の回転方向の上流側から下流側に向け粉体担持領域
に対して離れた位置から粉体担持領域に漸次に至る形状
としたことを特徴とするものである。[Means for Solving the Problems] A first invention of the present application provides a powder-carrying rotor provided facing the mouth portion of a casing that supplies or collects powder, and the mouth portion. In the seal structure around the powder-carrying rotating body that seals between the powder-carrying rotating body and the powder-carrying rotating body, The inner edge of the sealing member provided on the edge is shaped to gradually reach the powder carrying area from a position away from the powder carrying area from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction of the powder carrying rotating body. It is characterized by this.
【0016】本願第2の発明は、第1の発明においてさ
らに、粉体担持回転体は粉体非担持領域の側周面が粉体
担持領域の側周面よりも低摩擦な面とされていることを
特徴とするものである。[0016] The second invention of the present application is the first invention further characterized in that the powder-carrying rotating body has a side circumferential surface of the non-powder-carrying region having a lower friction than a side circumferential surface of the powder-carrying region. It is characterized by the presence of
【0017】本願第3の発明は、第1または第2の発明
においてさらに、シール部材はそれが設けられる前記口
部の口縁および粉体担持回転体の粉体非担持領域の側周
面に合致する自然形状に形成されていることを特徴とす
るものである。[0017] A third invention of the present application is that in the first or second invention, the sealing member is provided on the lip of the mouth portion where it is provided and on the side peripheral surface of the powder-free region of the powder-carrying rotating body. It is characterized by being formed into a matching natural shape.
【0018】本願第4の発明は、第1〜第3の発明にお
いてさらに、シール部材は粉体担持回転体の担持対象と
なる粉体の粒子径よりも小さい独立気泡を持つ発泡樹脂
からなるものである請求項1〜3までの何れかに記載の
粉体担持回転体まわりのシール構造。[0018] A fourth invention of the present application is that in the first to third inventions, the sealing member is made of a foamed resin having closed cells smaller in diameter than the particle diameter of the powder to be supported by the powder-carrying rotating body. A sealing structure around a powder-carrying rotating body according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
【0019】[0019]
【作用】本願第1の発明の上記構成によれば、粉体を粉
体担持回転体に供給しあるいは粉体担持回転体から現像
剤を回収するケーシングの、前記現像剤の供給ないし回
収を行う口部において、粉体担持回転体の粉体担持領域
の両側にある粉体非担持領域の側周面と摺接するように
設けられたシール部材の内側縁が、粉体担持回転体の回
転方向の上流側から下流側に向け、粉体担持領域に対し
離れた位置から粉体担持領域に漸次に至る形状とされて
おり、内側縁の粉体担持回転体の回転方向上流側での位
置が粉体担持領域から側方に大きく離れて位置するので
、粉体担持回転体に担持され搬送される粉体が粉体担持
領域から側方の粉体非担持領域にはみ出して搬送されて
きても、これを前記シール部材の内側縁の内側に受入れ
、以降この内側縁の粉体担持回転体の回転方向下流側に
向け粉体担持領域に漸次に至る側縁形状に沿って前記は
み出し粉体を粉体担持領域まで案内していき、粉体担持
領域に戻して前記ケーシング内に回収され、粉体担持領
域にて再搬送されるようにすることができる。[Operation] According to the above structure of the first invention of the present application, the casing that supplies powder to the powder-carrying rotary body or collects the developer from the powder-carrying rotary body supplies or collects the developer. At the mouth part, the inner edge of the sealing member provided so as to be in sliding contact with the side peripheral surfaces of the non-powder carrying areas on both sides of the powder carrying area of the powder carrying rotary body is aligned with the rotational direction of the powder carrying rotary body. From the upstream side to the downstream side, the shape is gradually reached from a position away from the powder carrying area to the powder carrying area, and the position on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the powder carrying rotating body on the inner edge is Since it is located at a large distance laterally from the powder carrying area, even if the powder carried and conveyed by the powder carrying rotating body protrudes from the powder carrying area and is conveyed to the side non-powder carrying area. This is received inside the inner edge of the sealing member, and thereafter the protruding powder is removed along the side edge shape that gradually reaches the powder carrying area toward the downstream side in the rotational direction of the powder carrying rotating body on this inner edge. It can be guided to the powder carrying area, returned to the powder carrying area, collected in the casing, and re-transported in the powder carrying area.
【0020】本願第2の発明の上記構成によれば、第1
の発明においてさらに、粉体担持回転体の前記シール部
材と摺接する粉体非担持領域の側周面が、粉体担持領域
の側周面よりも低摩擦な面とされており、粉体担持領域
からはみ出してくる粉体に対する搬送力が弱いので、こ
の搬送力が前記シール部材の内側縁によるはみ出し粉体
に対する案内作用に打ち勝って、前記はみ出し粉体をシ
ール部材との間に侵入させてしまうようなことを回避す
ることができる。According to the above configuration of the second invention of the present application, the first
Further, in the invention, the side circumferential surface of the non-powder-carrying region that comes into sliding contact with the sealing member of the powder-carrying rotating body is a surface having lower friction than the side circumferential surface of the powder-carrying region, so that the powder-carrying Since the conveying force against the powder protruding from the region is weak, this conveying force overcomes the guiding action of the inner edge of the sealing member on the protruding powder, causing the protruding powder to enter between the area and the sealing member. Things like this can be avoided.
【0021】本願第3の発明の上記構成によれば、第1
または第2の発明においてさらに、シール部材が、それ
が設けられる前記口部の口縁および粉体担持回転体の側
周面に合致する自然形状に形成されており、このシール
部材が前記口部の所定の口縁に設けられ粉体担持回転体
の粉体非担持領域の側周面に摺接されるのに、強制的な
曲げを伴わないので曲げによる皺ができず、皺に原因し
た粉体担持回転体との間の隙間から粉体が漏れ出すよう
なことを解消することができる。According to the above configuration of the third invention of the present application, the first
Alternatively, in the second invention, the sealing member is formed in a natural shape that matches the rim of the mouth on which it is provided and the side circumferential surface of the powder-carrying rotating body, and the sealing member is formed in the mouth of the mouth. Although it is provided at a predetermined mouth edge of the rotor and slides into contact with the side peripheral surface of the non-powder-carrying area of the powder-carrying rotating body, it does not involve forced bending, so no wrinkles are formed due to bending, which can cause wrinkles. It is possible to prevent the powder from leaking out from the gap between the rotating body and the powder-carrying rotating body.
【0022】本願第4の発明の上記構成によれば、第1
〜第3の発明の何れかにおいてさらに、シール部材が粉
体担持回転体の担持対象となる粉体の粒子径よりも小さ
い独立気泡を持つ発泡樹脂からなるものであり、前記案
内する粉体が独立気泡内に入って各独立気泡間を移って
行くようなことに起因した粉体の漏れ出しも防止するこ
とができる。According to the above configuration of the fourth invention of the present application, the first
- In any one of the third inventions, the sealing member is made of a foamed resin having closed cells smaller in diameter than the particle diameter of the powder to be supported by the powder-carrying rotating body, and the guiding powder is It is also possible to prevent powder from leaking out due to entering the closed cells and moving between the closed cells.
【0023】[0023]
【実施例】以下本発明が適用された一実施例としての現
像器について説明する。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A developing device as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below.
【0024】図4は前記現像器を備えた作像機構を示し
ている。この作像機構は一成分現像剤を使用するもので
あり、現像器ケーシング2と廃トナーケーシング3とが
感光ドラム4の両側に配されている。FIG. 4 shows an image forming mechanism equipped with the developing device. This image forming mechanism uses a one-component developer, and a developer casing 2 and a waste toner casing 3 are arranged on both sides of a photosensitive drum 4.
【0025】感光ドラム4はアルミニウム等の金属基台
の表面にセレンや有機光導電性材料等の光導電層を形成
したもので、上部にある帯電チャージャ52によって表
面を一様に帯電され、矢印23で示すように画像露光を
受けることによって静電潜像を形成する。この静電潜像
は現像器ケーシング2から供給される現像剤によって現
像され、顕像となる。The photosensitive drum 4 has a photoconductive layer made of selenium or an organic photoconductive material formed on the surface of a metal base such as aluminum, and the surface is uniformly charged by a charger 52 located at the top. As shown at 23, an electrostatic latent image is formed by imagewise exposure. This electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer supplied from the developer casing 2, and becomes a developed image.
【0026】この顕像は感光ドラム4の下部に位置する
転写チャージャ36によって転写シート37に転写され
た後図示しない定着器による定着を受けて画像形成が終
了する。The developed image is transferred onto a transfer sheet 37 by a transfer charger 36 located below the photosensitive drum 4, and then fixed by a fixing device (not shown) to complete image formation.
【0027】現像器ケーシング2の感光ドラム4と対向
するトナー供給口2aには、感光ドラム4上に形成され
ている静電潜像を現像する現像ローラ11が設けられ、
軸14によって現像器ケーシング2の側壁に支持されて
いる。A developing roller 11 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4 is provided at the toner supply port 2a of the developer casing 2 facing the photosensitive drum 4.
It is supported on the side wall of the developer casing 2 by a shaft 14 .
【0028】現像ローラ11と感光ドラム4との間には
一成分非磁性現像剤による非接触現像のための現像ギャ
ップが設けられている。A development gap is provided between the development roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 4 for non-contact development using a one-component non-magnetic developer.
【0029】現像器ケーシング2内には現像器ケーシン
グ2内の現像剤をファーブラシ13に供給しながら撹拌
する現像剤供給パドル15が設けられ、これにはトナー
のブロック化を防止する撹拌翼17が取付けられている
。A developer supply paddle 15 is provided in the developer casing 2 to agitate the developer in the developer casing 2 while supplying it to the fur brush 13, and is provided with a stirring blade 17 to prevent the toner from forming into blocks. is installed.
【0030】現像器ケーシング2のトナー供給口2aの
上部口縁2bには現像ローラ11の周面にまで延びてそ
れに圧接する弾性ブレード41が設けられている。At the upper edge 2b of the toner supply port 2a of the developer casing 2, an elastic blade 41 is provided which extends to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 11 and presses against it.
【0031】弾性ブレード41は現像ローラ11上にフ
ァーブラシ13によって供給された現像剤を所定厚の薄
層にするものであり、ウレタンゴム、シリコーンゴム等
のゴムブレードやばね用りん青銅、ばね鋼等の金属ブレ
ードが有用である。The elastic blade 41 forms a thin layer of the developer supplied by the fur brush 13 onto the developing roller 11 to a predetermined thickness, and is made of rubber blades such as urethane rubber or silicone rubber, phosphor bronze for springs, or spring steel. Metallic blades such as the following are useful.
【0032】弾性ブレード41は現像器ケーシング2の
側壁間に架け渡された金属製の支持部材42に上端が接
着等によって取付けられ、下端が現像ローラ11の表面
に圧接されている。The upper end of the elastic blade 41 is attached by adhesive or the like to a metal support member 42 extending between the side walls of the developer casing 2, and the lower end is pressed against the surface of the developing roller 11.
【0033】現像器ケーシング2のトナー供給口2aの
下部口縁2cにはシール片25が設けられ、現像ローラ
11上に延びて圧接している。このシール片25はポリ
エチレンテレフタレート(PET)等からなり、現像ロ
ーラ11上に担持され感光ドラム4での現像に供された
後の残留トナーについてはトナー供給口2a内に通り抜
けさせるが、トナー供給口2aからの現像剤の抜け出し
を防止する。A seal piece 25 is provided on the lower edge 2c of the toner supply port 2a of the developer casing 2, and extends over and presses onto the developing roller 11. This seal piece 25 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like, and allows residual toner carried on the developing roller 11 and subjected to development on the photosensitive drum 4 to pass through into the toner supply port 2a. To prevent the developer from coming out from 2a.
【0034】ところで現像ローラ11はアルミニウムや
ステンレス鋼よりなり、トナー供給口2aを通じ供給さ
れる現像剤を担持し搬送する現像剤担持領域X(図1、
図2)の側周面部分がサンドブラスト加工等による梨地
面に形成され、現像剤を担持し搬送するのに有利なよう
にされている。By the way, the developing roller 11 is made of aluminum or stainless steel, and has a developer carrying area X (FIG. 1,
The side circumferential surface portion shown in FIG. 2) is formed on a satin surface by sandblasting or the like, so as to be advantageous for supporting and transporting the developer.
【0035】そして現像剤担持領域Xの両側の側周面部
分は現像剤に搬送力を及ぼしにくい平滑面を持つ現像剤
非担持領域Y(図1、図2)とされ、これに対向してい
るトナー供給口2aの左右両側口縁2dに貼り付けられ
たシールパッド62と圧接するようにしている。The side peripheral surface portions on both sides of the developer carrying area The toner supply port 2a is brought into pressure contact with seal pads 62 affixed to the left and right edges 2d of the toner supply port 2a.
【0036】現像剤非担持領域Yの現像剤に対する搬送
力をさらに弱めるには、この部分を現像ローラ11の材
料よりも低摩擦な材料にて形成するかあるいは表面処理
するとよい。In order to further weaken the conveyance force for the developer in the developer non-carrying area Y, this area may be formed of a material having lower friction than the material of the developing roller 11, or may be surface treated.
【0037】さらに前記シールパッド62はウレタンゴ
ム等の発泡樹脂成形品からなり、前記左右両側の口縁2
dの湾曲形状および現像剤非担持領域Yの側周面とに沿
う自然形状に型成形されている。これによってそれらと
の間に折り曲げ等による皺に原因した隙間ができるのを
防止している。したがってそのような隙間を通じての現
像剤の側方への漏れ出しが解消される。Further, the seal pad 62 is made of a foamed resin molded product such as urethane rubber, and the seal pad 62 is made of a foamed resin molded product such as urethane rubber.
It is molded into a natural shape along the curved shape of d and the side peripheral surface of the developer non-carrying area Y. This prevents the formation of gaps between them due to wrinkles caused by bending or the like. Therefore, leakage of developer to the side through such a gap is eliminated.
【0038】また前記シールパッド62の内側縁62a
を、現像ローラ11の回転方向での上流側から下流側に
向けて図1、図2に示すように現像剤担持領域Xに対し
て離れた位置から現像剤担持領域に漸次至る傾斜した形
状としている。Also, the inner edge 62a of the seal pad 62
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction of the developing roller 11, the shape is an inclined shape that gradually reaches the developer carrying area from a position away from the developer carrying area X. There is.
【0039】これによって現像ローラ11の現像剤担持
領域Xに担持され搬送される現像剤が、弾性ブレード4
1での層規制後にこの弾性ブレード41を抜けた時点か
ら感光ドラム4の側に搬送される途中にて現像剤非担持
領域Yの部分に図1、図2に矢印44で示すようにはみ
出すことがあっても、これが現像ローラ11の回転に伴
ってトナー供給口2aの側に搬送されてきたときに前記
シールパッド62の傾斜した内側縁62aによって受け
止めて内側縁62aに沿い現像剤担持領域X側に戻るよ
うに図1〜図3に矢印45で示すように案内することが
でき、トナー供給口2aを通じて現像器ケーシング2内
に確実に回収され、現像剤担持領域Xにて再搬送される
ようにすることができる。As a result, the developer carried on the developer carrying area X of the developing roller 11 and conveyed is transferred to the elastic blade 4.
After passing through the elastic blade 41 after layer regulation in Step 1, the developer may protrude into the non-developer carrying area Y as shown by the arrow 44 in FIGS. 1 and 2 while being conveyed to the photosensitive drum 4 side. Even if there is a developer, when it is conveyed to the toner supply port 2a side as the developing roller 11 rotates, it is received by the inclined inner edge 62a of the seal pad 62 and moved along the inner edge 62a to the developer carrying area X. The toner can be guided back to the side as shown by the arrow 45 in FIGS. 1 to 3, and is reliably collected into the developer casing 2 through the toner supply port 2a and conveyed again to the developer carrying area X. You can do it like this.
【0040】この際現像剤非担持領域Yの側周面の現像
剤に対する搬送力が弱いことにより、この搬送力が前記
案内作用に打ち勝って現像剤非担持領域Y上の現像剤を
現像ローラ11とシールパッド62との間に噛み込ませ
るようなことが抑止される。At this time, since the conveying force for the developer on the side peripheral surface of the developer non-carrying area Y is weak, this conveying force overcomes the guiding action and transfers the developer on the developer non-carrying area Y to the developing roller 11. This prevents the seal pad 62 from being caught between the seal pad 62 and the seal pad 62.
【0041】このような抑止効果は現像ローラ11の現
像剤非担持領域Yの側周面が低摩擦であるほど高くなる
。[0041] Such a deterrent effect becomes higher as the side circumferential surface of the developer non-carrying area Y of the developing roller 11 has lower friction.
【0042】またシールパッド62は現像剤の粒子径よ
りも小さな独立気泡を持つ発泡樹脂成形品とされている
。これによっては現像剤がシールパッド62の独立気泡
に入り込んで各独立気泡間を移行して行き、外方に漏れ
出るようなことを防止することができる。The seal pad 62 is made of a foamed resin molded product having closed cells smaller than the particle size of the developer. This makes it possible to prevent the developer from entering the closed cells of the seal pad 62, moving between the closed cells, and leaking outward.
【0043】そして弾性ブレード41の先端部の両端内
面には、トナー供給口2aの左右両側口縁2dに設けら
れた前記シールパッド62および現像ローラ11の現像
剤非担持領域Yの側周面と、弾性ブレード41との間の
隙間をシールする補助シールパッド63が設けられてい
る。The inner surfaces of both ends of the tip of the elastic blade 41 are provided with the seal pads 62 provided on the left and right edges 2d of the toner supply port 2a and the side peripheral surfaces of the developer non-carrying area Y of the developing roller 11. , an auxiliary seal pad 63 is provided to seal the gap between the elastic blade 41 and the elastic blade 41 .
【0044】以上によって現像器ケーシング2のトナー
供給口2aの口縁全周と現像ローラ11との間が、シー
ル片25、弾性ブレード41、シールパッド62、補助
シールパッド63によって充分にシールされ、現像剤の
側方への漏れ出しが確実に防止される。As described above, the area between the entire circumference of the mouth edge of the toner supply port 2a of the developer casing 2 and the developing roller 11 is sufficiently sealed by the seal piece 25, the elastic blade 41, the seal pad 62, and the auxiliary seal pad 63. Leakage of developer to the side is reliably prevented.
【0045】上記のように現像剤の側方への漏れ出しを
充分防止できる構造では、シールパッド62や補助シー
ルパッド63を現像剤非担持領域Yに強く圧接しなくて
もよいので、シールパッド62の押圧圧縮度が小さくな
り、その分弾性的な変形性が損なわれず、図1〜図3に
示すようなシール片25との重なり部で、現像ローラ1
1との間の隙間の原因となるような段差部が生じるのを
防止することができ、この面でもシール性が向上する。With the structure that can sufficiently prevent leakage of developer to the side as described above, it is not necessary to forcefully press the seal pad 62 and the auxiliary seal pad 63 against the developer non-carrying area Y. The degree of compression of the developing roller 62 is reduced, and the elastic deformability is not impaired accordingly, and the developing roller 1 is
It is possible to prevent the formation of a stepped portion that would cause a gap between the holder and the holder 1, and the sealing performance is improved in this respect as well.
【0046】感光ドラム4の廃トナーケーシング3のト
ナー回収口3aが対向している部分では、図4に示すよ
うにこのトナー回収口3aの上部口縁3bから延びるク
リーニングブレード7が圧接している。このクリーニン
グブレード7によって感光ドラム4の転写後の表面から
掻き取られる残留トナーは、廃トナーケーシング3内に
回収される。As shown in FIG. 4, a cleaning blade 7 extending from the upper lip 3b of the toner collection port 3a is in pressure contact with the portion of the waste toner casing 3 of the photosensitive drum 4 that is opposed to the toner collection port 3a. . The residual toner scraped off from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 after transfer by the cleaning blade 7 is collected into the waste toner casing 3.
【0047】この回収のために廃トナーケーシング3の
感光ドラム4の後方の底部近くにパドル8が設けられ、
感光ドラム4から掻き取られたトナーを廃トナーケーシ
ング3内に掻き込むようになっている。For this collection, a paddle 8 is provided near the bottom of the waste toner casing 3 behind the photosensitive drum 4.
The toner scraped off from the photosensitive drum 4 is scraped into the waste toner casing 3.
【0048】また廃トナーケーシング3の回収口3aの
下部口縁3cにはシール片26が設けられ、その先端が
感光ドラム4の表面に圧接している。A seal piece 26 is provided on the lower edge 3c of the collection port 3a of the waste toner casing 3, and its tip is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.
【0049】このシール片26はシール片25と同様な
ものであり、感光ドラム4上の残留トナーは前記クリー
ニングブレード7の部分に難なく通り抜けさせるが、ク
リーニングブレード7によって掻き取られて落ちてくる
残留トナーを受け止めて廃トナーケーシング3内に案内
するが、廃トナーケーシング3内に回収した廃トナーケ
ーシング3の下方に抜け出るようなことを防止する。This seal piece 26 is similar to the seal piece 25, and the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 4 passes through the cleaning blade 7 without difficulty, but the residual toner that is scraped off by the cleaning blade 7 and falls off. The toner is received and guided into the waste toner casing 3, but the toner is prevented from slipping out below the waste toner casing 3 collected into the waste toner casing 3.
【0050】また前記クリーニングブレード7とシール
片26とによって、あるいはトナー回収口3aの左右両
側口縁に設けられたシール材が加わって、廃トナーケー
シング3のトナー回収口3aと感光ドラム4との間がシ
ールされ、回収トナーが漏れ出るのを防止している。In addition, the cleaning blade 7 and the seal piece 26 or the sealing materials provided on the left and right edges of the toner collection port 3a are added to prevent the toner collection port 3a of the waste toner casing 3 from being connected to the photosensitive drum 4. The gap is sealed to prevent collected toner from leaking out.
【0051】なお前記現像ローラ11のまわりでの、現
像器ケーシング2のトナー供給口2aの口縁全周との間
のシール構造は、感光ドラム4と廃トナーケーシング3
のトナー回収口3aの口縁全周との間のシール構造に採
用して、同様な作用効果を発揮することができる。The sealing structure around the developing roller 11 and the entire circumference of the mouth edge of the toner supply port 2a of the developing device casing 2 is such that
The same effect can be achieved by adopting the sealing structure between the entire circumference of the mouth edge of the toner collection port 3a.
【0052】[0052]
【発明の効果】本願第1の発明によれば、粉体を粉体担
持回転体に供給しあるいは粉体担持回転体から現像剤を
回収するケーシングの、前記現像剤の供給ないし回収を
行う口部において、粉体担持回転体の粉体担持領域の両
側にある粉体非担持領域の側周面と摺接するように設け
られたシール部材の内側縁が、粉体担持回転体の回転方
向の上流側から下流側に向け、粉体担持領域に対し離れ
た位置から粉体担持領域に漸次に至る形状とされて、内
側縁の粉体担持回転体の回転方向上流側での位置が粉体
担持領域から側方に大きく離れて位置することになり、
粉体担持回転体に担持され搬送される粉体が粉体担持領
域から側方の粉体非担持領域にはみ出して搬送されてき
ても、これを前記シール部材の内側縁の内側に受入れ、
以降この内側縁の粉体担持回転体の回転方向下流側に向
け粉体担持領域に漸次に至る側縁形状に沿って前記はみ
出し粉体を粉体担持領域まで案内していき、粉体担持領
域に戻して前記ケーシング内に回収され、粉体担持領域
にて再搬送されるようにするので、シール部材の形状を
変える簡単な改良によって粉体担持領域から側方の粉体
非担持領域にはみ出した粉体が前記ケーシング内に回収
されないで外方に漏れ出すのを防止することができる。Effects of the Invention According to the first invention of the present application, the opening for supplying or collecting the developer of the casing that supplies powder to the powder-carrying rotating body or recovering the developer from the powder-carrying rotating body. In the part, the inner edge of the seal member provided so as to be in sliding contact with the side circumferential surface of the non-powder carrying area on both sides of the powder carrying area of the powder carrying rotating body is in contact with the side circumferential surface of the powder carrying area on both sides of the powder carrying area. From the upstream side to the downstream side, the shape is such that it gradually reaches the powder carrying area from a position away from the powder carrying area, and the position on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the powder carrying rotating body on the inner edge is the powder carrying area. It will be located at a large distance laterally from the carrying area,
Even if the powder carried and conveyed by the powder carrying rotary body protrudes from the powder carrying area to a side non-powder carrying area and is carried, the powder is received inside the inner edge of the sealing member,
Thereafter, the protruding powder is guided to the powder carrying area along the side edge shape that gradually reaches the powder carrying area toward the downstream side in the rotational direction of the powder carrying rotary body on the inner edge. Since the powder is recovered into the casing and conveyed again in the powder carrying area, a simple modification by changing the shape of the sealing member prevents the powder from protruding from the powder carrying area to the lateral non-powder carrying area. This can prevent the powder from leaking outside without being collected into the casing.
【0053】本願第2の発明によれば、第1の発明にお
いてさらに、粉体担持回転体の前記シール部材と摺接す
る粉体非担持領域の側周面が、粉体担持領域の側周面よ
りも低摩擦な面とされていて、粉体担持領域からはみ出
してくる粉体に対する搬送力が弱く、この搬送力が前記
シール部材の内側縁によるはみ出し粉体に対する案内作
用に打ち勝って、前記はみ出し粉体をシール部材との間
に侵入させてしまうようなことを回避するので、前記は
み出し粉体の外方への漏れ出しをさらに確実に防止する
ことができる。According to the second invention of the present application, in the first invention, the side circumferential surface of the non-powder carrying region that comes into sliding contact with the sealing member of the powder carrying rotating body is the side circumferential surface of the powder carrying region. The surface has a lower friction than that of the seal member, and the conveying force against the powder protruding from the powder carrying area is weak, and this conveying force overcomes the guiding action of the inner edge of the sealing member on the protruding powder, and Since the powder is prevented from entering between the sealing member and the sealing member, leakage of the protruding powder to the outside can be more reliably prevented.
【0054】本願第3の発明によれば、第1または第2
の発明においてさらに、シール部材が、それが設けられ
る前記口部の口縁および粉体担持回転体の側周面に合致
する自然形状に形成されており、このシール部材が前記
口部の所定の口縁に設けられ粉体担持回転体の粉体非担
持領域の側周面に摺接されるのに、強制的な曲げを伴わ
ないので、曲げによる皺ができず、皺に原因した粉体担
持回転体との間の隙間から粉体が漏れ出すようなことを
解消するので、粉体の外方への漏れ出し防止機能をさら
に向上させることができる。According to the third invention of the present application, the first or second
Further, in the invention, the sealing member is formed in a natural shape that matches the rim of the mouth on which it is provided and the side peripheral surface of the powder-carrying rotating body, and the sealing member is formed in a predetermined shape of the mouth. Although it is provided at the rim of the mouth and slides into contact with the side circumferential surface of the non-powder-carrying area of the powder-carrying rotating body, there is no forced bending, so no wrinkles are formed due to bending, and the powder that causes wrinkles is removed. Since leakage of powder from the gap between the support and the rotating body is eliminated, the ability to prevent powder from leaking outward can be further improved.
【0055】本願第4の発明の上記構成によれば、第1
〜第3の発明の何れかにおいてさらに、シール部材が粉
体担持回転体の担持対象となる粉体の粒子径よりも小さ
い独立気泡を持つ発泡樹脂からなるものであり、前記案
内する粉体が独立気泡内に入って各独立気泡間を移って
行くようなことに起因した粉体の漏れ出しも防止するの
で、シール部材を通じた粉体の漏れ出しをも防止するこ
とができる。According to the above configuration of the fourth invention of the present application, the first
- In any one of the third inventions, the sealing member is made of a foamed resin having closed cells smaller in diameter than the particle diameter of the powder to be supported by the powder-carrying rotating body, and the guiding powder is Since the leakage of powder caused by entering the closed cells and moving between the closed cells is also prevented, it is also possible to prevent the powder from leaking through the sealing member.
【図1】本発明が適用された一実施例としてのシール構
造を持つ現像器の一部を示す分解斜視図である。FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a developing device having a seal structure as an embodiment of the present invention.
【図2】図1の現像器の一部の正面図である。FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion of the developing device shown in FIG. 1;
【図3】図2の現像器の一部の断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the developing device shown in FIG. 2;
【図4】図1の現像器を用いた作像機構の概略構成図で
ある。4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming mechanism using the developing device of FIG. 1. FIG.
2 現像器ケーシング 2a トナー供給口 2b 上部口縁 2c 下部口縁 2d 左右両側口縁 7 クリーニングブレード 11 現像ローラ 25、26 シール片 41 弾性ブレード 62 シールパッド 62a 内側縁 X 現像剤担持領域 Y 現像剤非担持領域 2. Developer casing 2a Toner supply port 2b Upper lip 2c Lower rim 2d Left and right mouth edges 7 Cleaning blade 11 Developing roller 25, 26 Seal piece 41 Elastic blade 62 Seal pad 62a Inner edge X Developer carrying area Y Developer non-supporting area
Claims (4)
の前記供給ないし回収を行う口部に面して設けられた粉
体担持回転体と、前記口部との間をシールする粉体担持
回転体まわりのシール構造において、粉体担持回転体の
粉体担持領域の両側にある粉体非担持領域の側周面と摺
接するように前記口部の口縁に設けられたシール部材の
内側縁を、粉体担持回転体の回転方向の上流側から下流
側に向け粉体担持領域に対して離れた位置から粉体担持
領域に漸次に至る形状としたことを特徴とする粉体担持
回転体まわりのシール構造。1. A powder-carrying rotating body that is provided facing the mouth of a casing that supplies or collects powder, and that seals between the mouth and the powder-carrying rotating body. In the surrounding sealing structure, the inner edge of the sealing member provided on the rim of the mouth part is in sliding contact with the side peripheral surface of the non-powder carrying area on both sides of the powder carrying area of the powder carrying rotating body. , the area around the powder-carrying rotating body is characterized in that the powder-carrying rotating body has a shape that gradually reaches the powder-carrying area from a position away from the powder-carrying area from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction of the powder-carrying rotating body. Seal structure.
周面が粉体担持領域の側周面よりも低摩擦な面とされて
いる請求項1記載の粉体担持回転体まわりのシール構造
。2. The powder-carrying rotating body according to claim 1, wherein the side circumferential surface of the non-powder-carrying area of the powder-carrying rotating body has a lower friction surface than the side circumferential surface of the powder-carrying area. Seal structure.
部の口縁および粉体担持回転体の粉体非担持領域の側周
面に合致する自然形状に形成されている請求項1または
2に記載の粉体担持回転体まわりのシール構造。3. The sealing member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member is formed in a natural shape that matches the lip of the mouth portion on which it is provided and the side peripheral surface of the non-powder carrying area of the powder carrying rotating body. Seal structure around the powder-carrying rotating body described.
象となる粉体の粒子径よりも小さい独立気泡を持つ発泡
樹脂からなるものである請求項1〜3までの何れかに記
載の粉体担持回転体まわりのシール構造。4. The powder according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is made of a foamed resin having closed cells smaller in diameter than the particle diameter of the powder to be supported by the powder-carrying rotating body. Seal structure around body-carrying rotating body.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP3085185A JPH04317085A (en) | 1991-04-17 | 1991-04-17 | Sealing structure around powder carrying rotary body |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP3085185A JPH04317085A (en) | 1991-04-17 | 1991-04-17 | Sealing structure around powder carrying rotary body |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH04317085A true JPH04317085A (en) | 1992-11-09 |
Family
ID=13851606
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP3085185A Pending JPH04317085A (en) | 1991-04-17 | 1991-04-17 | Sealing structure around powder carrying rotary body |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JPH04317085A (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-04-17 JP JP3085185A patent/JPH04317085A/en active Pending
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