JPH0516419A - Electrostatic recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an electrostatic recording apparatus which positively prevents the inconvenient fusion of a developing agent to a recording electrode, and forms a clear recording image of high resolving power and high image quality in a stable manner for a long time. CONSTITUTION:A surface layer 5b of a cylindrical electrode 5 is formed of an elastic material having the surface hardness 20 deg.-90 deg. (measured according to JIS spring method) and the volume resistivity 10<6>-10<16> [OMEGA.cm]]. On the other hand, a recording electrode EL is provided to project from a step G in a swaying fashion. The peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 and the upper surface of the recording electrode EL are arranged to be in tight contact with each other when a magnetic toner (d) is not supplied to a recording part W. Therefore, the magnetic toner (d) is never excessively pressed in contact between the electrodes. The upper surface of the recording electrode EL can be wiped by the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 through the sliding contact therebetween.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の技術分野】この発明は、記録ヘッドと記録媒体
を接触させずに静電記録画像を形成する非接触式静電記
録装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a non-contact type electrostatic recording apparatus which forms an electrostatically recorded image without bringing a recording head and a recording medium into contact with each other.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来技術とその問題点】従来、静電記録装置の一つと
して、マルチスタイラスプリンタがよく知られている。
このマルチスタイラスプリンタは、多数の針状電極（ス
タイラス）を主走査方向へ微小等間隔に並べて記録ヘッ
ドを構成し、記録信号に応じて各針状電極に電圧を選択
的に印加し、用紙上に直接放電を行なって静電潜像を形
成するものである。この場合、用紙上に電荷を容易且つ
安定的に保持できる様に、高電気抵抗剤を塗布した特殊
紙を使用する。しかし、この様な特殊紙は、鉛筆やペン
による記入性が悪く、又、湿度等の環境条件に依って変
質するから保存性にも問題があり、事務用の用紙として
は好まれない。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multi-stylus printer is well known as one of electrostatic recording devices.
This multi-stylus printer forms a recording head by arranging a large number of needle-shaped electrodes (styluses) at equal minute intervals in the main scanning direction, and selectively applies a voltage to each needle-shaped electrode in accordance with a recording signal to print on the paper. Is directly discharged to form an electrostatic latent image. In this case, special paper coated with a high electric resistance agent is used so that the electric charge can be easily and stably retained on the paper. However, such a special paper has a poor writing property with a pencil or a pen and has a problem of storage stability since it is deteriorated depending on environmental conditions such as humidity, and is not preferred as an office paper.

【０００３】又、針状電極先端と用紙表面との間隔が大
きいと、放電電界が広がって形成するドットが大きくな
り、高解像度の記録画像を得ることが難しい。その為、
用紙表面にギャップ材を設け、そのギャップ材と針状電
極先端を摺接させることにより微小な間隙を確保してい
る。然るに、この方式による場合、針状電極先端が摩耗
するという問題がある。If the distance between the tip of the needle electrode and the surface of the paper is large, the discharge electric field spreads and the dots formed become large, making it difficult to obtain a high-resolution recorded image. For that reason,
A gap material is provided on the paper surface, and the gap material is brought into sliding contact with the tip of the needle electrode to secure a minute gap. However, according to this method, there is a problem that the tip of the needle-shaped electrode is worn.

【０００４】そこで、普通紙を用いることができ、且
つ、画像媒体と記録電極先端との微小間隔を正確に確保
できる静電記録方式として、ドラム状の中間記録媒体上
にトナー画像を形成し、そのトナー画像を用紙上に転写
する方式が用いられている。この方式による場合、中間
記録媒体を用いる為に装置が大型化する傾向がある為、
通常、記録と現像を同時に行なうプロセスを採用し装置
の大型化を回避することが多い。この場合、記録電極を
現像剤搬送路の幅方向（主走査方向）に並列設置し、記
録情報に応じ現像剤を選択的に記録電極上から中間記録
媒体を兼ねる対向電極表面に転移させてトナー画像を形
成する方式が多い。この方式では、記録電極と対向電極
との電極対向間隔を幅方向全域に亘り一定に保つことが
要求される。Therefore, as an electrostatic recording system in which plain paper can be used and a minute gap between the image medium and the recording electrode tip can be accurately secured, a toner image is formed on a drum-shaped intermediate recording medium, A method of transferring the toner image onto a sheet is used. In the case of this method, the size of the device tends to increase because an intermediate recording medium is used,
In general, a process of simultaneously performing recording and development is adopted to avoid an increase in size of the apparatus. In this case, the recording electrodes are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the developer conveying path (main scanning direction), and the developer is selectively transferred from the recording electrodes onto the surface of the counter electrode which also serves as an intermediate recording medium according to the recording information, and the toner There are many methods of forming images. In this method, it is required to keep the electrode facing distance between the recording electrode and the counter electrode constant over the entire width direction.

【０００５】然るに、対向電極は記録媒体を兼ねる為に
通常はドラム状に形成して回転させるが、その場合に、
回転と共に対向電極周表面が軸方向や周方向に振れる傾
向がある。又、記録電極を設置する現像剤搬送路面に微
小な凸部が形成されていることがあるが、その場合、記
録電極が対向電極にその凸部高さ分だけ近づくことにな
る。この様にして電極対向部に電極対向間隔が狭くなる
箇所が発生し、その狭くなった箇所に現像剤が搬入され
ると、現像剤の密度が増すと共に電極間に挾圧され、現
像剤が圧密された様な状態となる。その結果、通常は１
×１０¹¹〔Ω〕程度の現像剤の電気抵抗値がその圧密さ
れた部分では１×１０³〜１×１０⁶〔Ω〕に低下し、そ
の圧密現像剤を介して過剰なリーク電流が流れ、その通
電熱と充填圧により現像剤が電極に融着してしまう様な
重大トラブルが発生することがある。電極に現像剤が融
着すると、画像の解像度が低下するだけでなく鮮明度も
失われる。However, the counter electrode is usually formed in a drum shape and rotated in order to serve also as a recording medium. In that case,
The peripheral surface of the counter electrode tends to swing in the axial direction and the circumferential direction with the rotation. In addition, a minute convex portion may be formed on the surface of the developer transport path on which the recording electrode is installed. In that case, the recording electrode comes closer to the counter electrode by the height of the convex portion. In this way, a portion where the electrode facing distance is narrowed occurs in the electrode facing portion, and when the developer is carried into the narrowed location, the density of the developer increases and the pressure between the electrodes is increased, and the developer is It will be in a state of being consolidated. As a result, usually 1
The electric resistance value of the developer of about × 10 ¹¹ [Ω] decreases to 1 × 10 ³ to 1 × 10 ⁶ [Ω] in the consolidated portion, and an excessive leak current flows through the consolidated developer. However, due to the energizing heat and the filling pressure, a serious trouble may occur in which the developer is fused to the electrode. When the developer is fused to the electrodes, not only the resolution of the image is lowered but also the sharpness is lost.

【０００６】[0006]

【発明の目的】この発明は、上述した従来技術の問題点
に鑑みなされたものであって、圧密された現像剤が記録
電極に融着する不具合を確実に防止し、高解像度で鮮明
な記録画像を長期に亘り安定して形成可能な静電記録装
置を提供することを目的とする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and reliably prevents the problem that the compacted developer is fused to the recording electrode, and achieves high resolution and clear recording. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic recording device capable of stably forming an image over a long period of time.

【０００７】[0007]

【発明の要点】この発明は、上述した目的を達成するた
めに、所定の経路に沿って敷設した現像剤担持部材と、
該現像剤担持部材の表面に沿って現像剤を搬送する現像
剤搬送手段と、前記現像剤担持部材の表面上に間隔を保
って並設した複数の記録電極と、該記録電極に対し対向
配置した弾性材料よりなる対向電極とを有し、各前記記
録電極に記録情報に応じて電圧を印加し、前記現像剤担
持部材表面に沿って搬送されてくる現像剤を前記対向電
極側へ選択的に転移させる静電記録装置において、前記
記録電極と前記対向電極を密着配置したことを要点とす
るものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention comprises a developer carrying member laid along a predetermined path,
A developer transporting means for transporting the developer along the surface of the developer carrying member, a plurality of recording electrodes arranged in parallel on the surface of the developer carrying member at intervals, and arranged so as to face the recording electrode. A counter electrode made of an elastic material, a voltage is applied to each of the recording electrodes according to recording information, and the developer carried along the surface of the developer carrying member is selectively transferred to the counter electrode side. In the electrostatic recording device that transfers to the above, the main point is that the recording electrode and the counter electrode are closely arranged.

【０００８】[0008]

【発明の実施例】以下、この発明を図１乃至図１０に示
す実施例に基づいて具体的に説明する。図１は本発明の
一実施例としての記録装置の全体構成を示す模式的断面
図である。同図において、１は普通紙Ｐを積載収納した
給紙カセットであり、機体側方に挿脱自在に装着してあ
る。挿着した給紙カセット１の先端部上方には、給紙コ
ロ１ａが矢印方向に駆動回転可能に配設してある。給紙
コロ１ａの前方には、絶縁部材よりなる上、下搬送ガイ
ド板２ａ，２ｂを敷設して用紙搬入経路を形成してあ
る。この用紙搬入経路中には、待機ロール対３を配設し
てあり、給紙コロ１ａにより繰り出された用紙Ｐの進行
を一旦停止させて搬送姿勢を整えた後、下流側の画像転
写部Ｔへ後述する記録画像の到達タイミングと同期する
様に再給送する。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the overall configuration of a recording apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a paper feed cassette in which plain papers P are stacked and stored, and is attached to the side of the machine body so as to be freely inserted and removed. A paper feed roller 1a is disposed above the leading end of the inserted paper feed cassette 1 so as to be rotatable in the arrow direction. In front of the paper feed roller 1a, upper and lower transport guide plates 2a and 2b made of an insulating member are laid to form a paper carry-in path. A standby roll pair 3 is disposed in the sheet carrying-in path, and after temporarily stopping the progress of the sheet P fed by the sheet feeding roller 1a and adjusting the transporting posture, the image transfer unit T on the downstream side is provided. The sheet is re-fed so as to be synchronized with the arrival timing of the recorded image described later.

【０００９】待機ロール対３下流側の画像転写部Ｔに
は、転写帯電器４を像担持体を兼ねる円筒電極５の上部
周面に対向配置してある。円筒電極５は、後述する記録
電極の対向電極となるもので、図４に示す様に金属等の
導電性材料から成る素管５ａの周表面上に弾性材料で形
成した表面層５ｂを被着して成る。表面層５ｂを形成す
る弾性材料としては、表面硬度ＨsがＪＩＳスプリング
式測定法でＨs＝２０°〜９０°、且つ、対向電極とし
ての効果を具備させる為にその体積電気抵抗値（比抵
抗）が１×１０⁶〜１×１０¹¹〔Ω・cm〕の各特性を有す
る弾性材料を選定する。本例の円筒電極５は、ステンレ
ス製の素管５ａ周表面上に、表面硬度Ｈsが９０°で体
積電気抵抗値が１×１０¹¹〔Ω・cm〕の導電性ウレタン
ゴムの表面層５ｂを被着してある。In the image transfer portion T on the downstream side of the standby roll pair 3, a transfer charger 4 is arranged opposite to the upper peripheral surface of a cylindrical electrode 5 which also serves as an image carrier. The cylindrical electrode 5 serves as a counter electrode of a recording electrode, which will be described later, and as shown in FIG. 4, a surface layer 5b made of an elastic material is deposited on the peripheral surface of a raw tube 5a made of a conductive material such as metal. It will be done. As the elastic material forming the surface layer 5b, the surface hardness Hs is Hs = 20 ° to 90 ° according to the JIS spring type measuring method, and its volume electric resistance value (specific resistance) is provided in order to have an effect as a counter electrode. An elastic material having each characteristic of 1 × 10 ⁶ to 1 × 10 ¹¹ [Ω · cm] is selected. In the cylindrical electrode 5 of this example, a surface layer 5b of a conductive urethane rubber having a surface hardness Hs of 90 ° and a volume electric resistance value of 1 × 10 ¹¹ [Ω · cm] is formed on the peripheral surface of a stainless steel base tube 5a. I'm wearing it.

【００１０】図１に戻って、上述の様に構成した円筒電
極５を、本例では矢印イで示す反時計回り方向に駆動回
転させる。円筒電極５の反対側の周面には、後述する記
録画像形成ユニットＵを対向設置してある。この記録画
像形成ユニットＵにより円筒電極５表面にトナー記録画
像が形成され、円筒電極５の回転と共にトナー記録画像
が画像転写部Ｔへ搬送され、再給送されてくる用紙上に
転写される。記録画像形成ユニットＵの構成について
は、後程詳細に説明する。Returning to FIG. 1, the cylindrical electrode 5 configured as described above is driven and rotated in the counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow a in this example. A recording image forming unit U, which will be described later, is installed opposite to the peripheral surface on the opposite side of the cylindrical electrode 5. A toner recording image is formed on the surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 by the recording image forming unit U, and the toner recording image is conveyed to the image transfer portion T as the cylindrical electrode 5 rotates, and is transferred onto the sheet fed again. The configuration of the recording image forming unit U will be described in detail later.

【００１１】画像転写部Ｔの下流側には、分離爪６を先
端を円筒電極周面に圧接させて配設してある。そして、
分離爪６の下流側には、エアーサクション方式の搬送ベ
ルト７が水平方向に張設されており、記録画像の転写を
終え分離爪６により円筒電極５周面から分離された用紙
の裏面を吸引しつつその前方に設けられている定着器８
に向けて搬送する。定着器８は加熱ロール８ａと圧接ロ
ール８ｂから成り、両ロール間に用紙を挾持し搬送する
際にトナー像を熱定着する。定着を終えた用紙は、排出
口９から画像面を下にしたフェイスダウン状態で排紙ト
レイ１０上に排出積載される。On the downstream side of the image transfer section T, a separation claw 6 is disposed with its tip pressed against the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode. And
On the downstream side of the separation claw 6, an air suction type conveyor belt 7 is stretched in the horizontal direction, and after the transfer of the recorded image is completed, the separation claw 6 sucks the back surface of the sheet separated from the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5. And the fixing device 8 provided in front of it
Transport it to. The fixing device 8 is composed of a heating roll 8a and a pressure contact roll 8b, and heat-fixes the toner image when the paper is sandwiched and conveyed between the rolls. The fixed sheet is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 10 from the discharge port 9 in a face-down state with the image side facing down.

【００１２】以上の如く、本例の記録装置においては、
用紙の給紙から排紙に至る全用紙搬送経路が略ストレー
ト状に形成されている為、通紙動作が全般的に滑らかで
あり、画像不良やジャム等の通紙不良が発生し難い。
又、記録装置にとって好ましいページ揃えが不要なフェ
イスダウン排紙状態を上述のストレート通紙経路で得る
ことができるという利点も備えている。As described above, in the recording apparatus of this example,
Since the entire sheet transport path from sheet feeding to sheet ejection is formed in a substantially straight shape, the sheet passing operation is generally smooth, and sheet passing defects such as image defects and jams are unlikely to occur.
In addition, there is an advantage that a face-down sheet discharge state that does not require page alignment, which is preferable for the recording apparatus, can be obtained through the straight sheet passage.

【００１３】ここで、記録画像形成ユニットＵの詳細な
構成について説明する。記録画像形成ユニットＵは、図
２に示す様に、大略、補給用現像剤を貯留する現像剤貯
留槽１１及び記録手段と現像手段を備えた現像記録槽１
２等から成る。現像剤貯留槽１１内には、撹拌羽根１１
ａを回動可能に配設してある。本例では、現像剤とし
て、少なくとも絶縁性樹脂、磁性微粉末及び着色剤粒子
を含有する一成分現像剤で、負（−）の摩擦帯電極性を
備えた絶縁性磁性トナーを使用する。尚、現像剤として
は、磁性体キャリヤと絶縁性トナーを所定の割合で混合
した二成分現像剤も使用できる。The detailed structure of the recording image forming unit U will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2, the recording image forming unit U generally includes a developer storage tank 11 for storing a replenishment developer and a development recording tank 1 including a recording unit and a developing unit.
Composed of 2 etc. In the developer storage tank 11, the stirring blade 11
a is rotatably arranged. In this example, the developer is a one-component developer containing at least an insulating resin, magnetic fine powder and colorant particles, and an insulating magnetic toner having a negative (−) triboelectrification polarity is used. A two-component developer in which a magnetic carrier and an insulating toner are mixed at a predetermined ratio can also be used as the developer.

【００１４】現像記録槽１２の底部には、図３に示す現
像剤の水平循環経路１３を形成してある。図３におい
て、この水平循環経路１３における一対の平行な長手経
路１３ａ，１３ｂ中には、一対のオーガロール１４ａ，
１４ｂを回転自在に設置してある。各オーガロール１４
ａ，１４ｂは、各シャフト１４ａ1，１４ｂ1の周面に複
数の螺旋羽根１４ａ2,１４ｂ2を立設し、夫々の片側端
部に螺旋方向が逆の逆送り羽根１４ａ3，１４ｂ3を立設
して成る（図５の斜視図参照）。そして、夫々の逆送り
羽根１４ａ3，１４ｂ3が互いに反対側に位置する様に、
各オーガロール１４ａ，１４ｂを長手経路１３ａ，１３
ｂ内に夫々配置する。これら一対のオーガロール１４
ａ，１４ｂを、矢印ロ，ハで示す様に互いに反対方向で
且つ逆送り羽根１４ａ3，１４ｂ3に向って現像剤を搬送
する方向に駆動回転する。これにより、逆送り羽根１４
ａ3，１４ｂ3を設けた各コーナー部では、互いに向い合
う逆方向の搬送力が衝突し、磁性トナーが直角方向に突
き出され他方の長手経路側へ流動する。この様にして、
磁性トナーを本例では破線矢印ニで示す方向に撹拌しつ
つ循環流動させ、この際に磁性トナーを充分に摩擦帯電
させることができる。尚、オーガロール１４ａ，１４ｂ
の材質や形状を変えることにより、現像剤に必要な帯電
量を充分に摩擦帯電させることができる。At the bottom of the development recording tank 12, a horizontal developer circulation path 13 shown in FIG. 3 is formed. In FIG. 3, in the pair of parallel longitudinal paths 13a, 13b in the horizontal circulation path 13, a pair of auger rolls 14a,
14b is rotatably installed. Each auger roll 14
a and 14b have a plurality of spiral blades 14a2 and 14b2 provided upright on the peripheral surface of the shafts 14a1 and 14b1, respectively, and reverse feed blades 14a3 and 14b3 having opposite spiral directions provided upright at one end of each spiral blade ( (See perspective view of FIG. 5). And, so that the respective reverse feed blades 14a3, 14b3 are located on the opposite sides,
The respective auger rolls 14a, 14b are connected to the longitudinal paths 13a, 13
Place each in b. These pair of auger rolls 14
The a and 14b are driven and rotated in directions opposite to each other as indicated by arrows B and C and in a direction in which the developer is conveyed toward the reverse feed blades 14a3 and 14b3. As a result, the reverse feed blade 14
At the corners where a3 and 14b3 are provided, the conveying forces in the opposite directions facing each other collide with each other, and the magnetic toner is ejected in the perpendicular direction and flows to the other longitudinal path side. In this way
In this example, the magnetic toner is circulated and flown while being stirred in the direction indicated by the broken arrow D, and at this time, the magnetic toner can be sufficiently tribocharged. Incidentally, the auger rolls 14a, 14b
By changing the material and shape of the toner, the amount of charge required for the developer can be sufficiently frictionally charged.

【００１５】上述の様に構成した水平循環経路１３の中
央部には、循環する現像剤が侵入しない様に周囲を壁Ｓ
wで囲繞した空間Ｓを形成してある。そして、図２に示
す様に、現像剤貯留槽１１に近い方のオーガロール１４
ａの上方には、補給用磁性トナーｄ0の補給口１１ｂを
オーガロール１４ａの軸方向に沿って穿設してある。In the central portion of the horizontal circulation path 13 constructed as described above, the surrounding wall S is formed so that the circulating developer does not enter.
A space S surrounded by w is formed. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the auger roll 14 closer to the developer storage tank 11 is provided.
A replenishing port 11b for the replenishing magnetic toner d0 is formed in the upper part of a along the axial direction of the auger roll 14a.

【００１６】他方のオーガロール１４ｂの上方には、現
像剤担持部材としての現像スリーブ１５を水平方向に延
在設置してある。現像スリーブ１５は、内部に現像剤搬
送手段としてのマグネットロール１６を回転自在に内蔵
し、前述した円筒電極５に対向配置してある。マグネッ
トロール１６の周表面には異なる磁極を交互に着磁して
あり、このマグネットロール１６を矢印ホで示す反時計
回り方向に駆動回転することにより、磁性トナーｄが現
像スリーブ１５周表面に沿って垂直方向へ破線矢印ヘで
示す時計回り方向に搬送される。Above the other auger roll 14b, a developing sleeve 15 as a developer carrying member is installed extending horizontally. The developing sleeve 15 rotatably houses a magnet roll 16 as a developer conveying means therein and is arranged to face the above-mentioned cylindrical electrode 5. Different magnetic poles are alternately magnetized on the circumferential surface of the magnet roll 16, and the magnetic toner d is driven along the circumferential surface of the developing sleeve 15 by driving and rotating the magnet roll 16 in the counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow E. And conveyed vertically in the clockwise direction indicated by the broken arrow.

【００１７】現像剤の垂直搬送路となる現像スリーブ１
５周表面近傍で現像剤搬送方向ヘに対して上流側には、
磁性トナーｄの層厚を適正な厚さに規制するドクタブレ
ード１２ａを配設してある。又、ドクタブレード１２ａ
の上方には、トナー飛散防止板１２ｂを配設してある。
このトナー飛散防止板１２ｂは、ドクタブレード１２ａ
による層厚規制を受けて下流側に搬送される現像剤が記
録画像形成ユニットＵ外に飛散し画像を汚す不都合を防
止する為に設けてある。本例では、現像記録槽１２の槽
壁の上端部を二股に分岐させ、ドクタブレード１２ａと
トナー飛散防止板１２ｂに夫々形成してある。Developing sleeve 1 serving as a vertical transport path for the developer
On the upstream side with respect to the developer transport direction in the vicinity of the surface of the fifth circumference,
A doctor blade 12a is provided to regulate the layer thickness of the magnetic toner d to an appropriate thickness. Also, the doctor blade 12a
A toner scattering prevention plate 12b is disposed above the above.
The toner scattering prevention plate 12b is formed by the doctor blade 12a.
It is provided in order to prevent the inconvenience that the developer conveyed to the downstream side under the layer thickness regulation by the above is scattered outside the recording image forming unit U and stains the image. In this example, the upper end of the tank wall of the development recording tank 12 is bifurcated and formed on the doctor blade 12a and the toner scattering prevention plate 12b, respectively.

【００１８】上述したトナー層厚規制部のトナー搬送方
向ヘに対して下流側には、円筒電極５周表面にトナー記
録画像を形成する記録部Ｗを次の様に構成してある。図
４に示す様に、本例では現像スリーブ１５周表面の円筒
電極５側に近接する部分に、段差Ｇを形成してある。こ
の段差Ｇは、現像スリーブ１５周表面の幅方向全域に亘
り形成してある。A recording unit W for forming a toner recording image on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 is constructed as follows on the downstream side of the toner layer thickness regulating unit in the toner conveying direction. As shown in FIG. 4, in this example, a step G is formed in a portion of the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15 which is close to the cylindrical electrode 5 side. The step G is formed over the entire width direction of the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15.

【００１９】上述の段差Ｇから上流側の現像スリーブ１
５周表面には、多数の記録電極を備えた記録電極シート
１７を被着敷設してある。記録電極シート１７は、図５
に示す様に、多数の記録電極線１７ａを、現像スリーブ
１５周表面の周方向に沿わせるシート長手方向へ互いに
平行に延在させると共に、所定の微細ピッチでシート幅
方向（トナー搬送路幅方向：主走査方向）へ並設して成
る。記録電極線１７ａの数は、主走査１ライン分の最大
データ数に対応させてある。本例の記録電極シート１７
は可撓性印刷回路基板（ＦＰＣ）で構成してあり、多数
の非磁性導電材料からなる記録電極線１７ａを、可撓性
絶縁材料からなるベースフィルム１７ｂ上に４０μｍの
間隙を保って８４.６μｍピッチ（３００ＤＰＩ）の密
度でパターン形成してある。The developing sleeve 1 on the upstream side from the step G described above.
A recording electrode sheet 17 having a large number of recording electrodes is attached and laid on the surface of the five circumferences. The recording electrode sheet 17 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a large number of recording electrode wires 17a extend in parallel to each other in the sheet longitudinal direction along the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15 and at a predetermined fine pitch in the sheet width direction (toner conveying path width direction). : Main scanning direction). The number of recording electrode lines 17a corresponds to the maximum number of data for one main scanning line. Recording electrode sheet 17 of this example
Is composed of a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), and a large number of recording electrode lines 17a made of a non-magnetic conductive material are provided on a base film 17b made of a flexible insulating material with a gap of 40 μm. The pattern is formed with a density of 6 μm pitch (300 DPI).

【００２０】記録電極シート１７の表面には、記録画像
の形成に関与する先端領域Ｚを除いて、絶縁コート１７
ｃを被着してある。これにより、各記録電極線１７ａ間
の絶縁性を確保すると共に、磁性トナーとの摩擦による
記録電極線１７ａの摩耗を防止することができる。記録
電極シート１７の絶縁コートを被着していない記録電極
線１７ａ先端部が、記録画像を形成する記録電極ＥＬと
なる。On the surface of the recording electrode sheet 17, an insulating coat 17 is formed except for the tip region Z involved in forming a recorded image.
c is attached. As a result, the insulation between the recording electrode wires 17a can be secured, and the abrasion of the recording electrode wires 17a due to the friction with the magnetic toner can be prevented. The tip of the recording electrode wire 17a of the recording electrode sheet 17 which is not covered with the insulating coat serves as the recording electrode EL for forming a recorded image.

【００２１】図４において、上述の様に構成した記録電
極シート１７を、その記録電極ＥＬを並設した先端部全
幅を段差Ｇから下流側へ均一に突出させて現像スリーブ
１５周表面に被設してある。そして、図６(ａ)の斜視図
と図６(ｂ)の平面図に示す様に、各記録電極ＥＬ間のベ
ースフィルム１７ｂには、夫々、スリットＣを切り込み
形成してある。これら各スリットＣは、記録電極ＥＬ間
部分だけでなく、絶縁コート１７ｃを被着した部分まで
切り込んである。これにより、各記録電極ＥＬが、両側
の記録電極ＥＬ，ＥＬから切り離され、個々に厚さ方向
（本例では上下方向）へ自在に揺動可能となる。この場
合、各記録電極ＥＬが自重によってだれず且つ後述する
必要な柔軟性（緩衝機能）を備えるには、記録電極シー
ト１７の突出寸法Ａを０〜２.０mm程度に設定すればよ
い。In FIG. 4, the recording electrode sheet 17 configured as described above is provided on the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15 by uniformly projecting the entire width of the tip portion where the recording electrodes EL are arranged in parallel from the step G to the downstream side. I am doing it. Then, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 6A and the plan view of FIG. 6B, slits C are cut and formed in the base film 17b between the recording electrodes EL, respectively. Each of these slits C is cut not only in the portion between the recording electrodes EL but also in the portion to which the insulating coat 17c is applied. As a result, each recording electrode EL is separated from the recording electrodes EL, EL on both sides and individually swingable in the thickness direction (vertical direction in this example). In this case, in order that each recording electrode EL does not sag due to its own weight and has a necessary flexibility (buffer function) described later, the protrusion dimension A of the recording electrode sheet 17 may be set to about 0 to 2.0 mm.

【００２２】上述の様な記録電極シート１７ａを製作す
る場合、図６において、銅箔が被着された可撓性絶縁材
からなるベースフィルム１７ｂにエッチング加工を施し
て多数の記録電極線１７ａをパターン形成し、絶縁コー
ト１７ｃを先端部領域Ｚを除いた領域に被着して記録電
極ＥＬを形成した後、各記録電極ＥＬ間にスリットＣを
切ればよい。When the recording electrode sheet 17a as described above is manufactured, in FIG. 6, a large number of recording electrode wires 17a are formed by etching a base film 17b made of a flexible insulating material coated with a copper foil. After forming the pattern and forming the recording electrode EL by applying the insulating coat 17c to the region excluding the tip region Z, the slit C may be cut between the recording electrodes EL.

【００２３】而して、上述の様に構成した記録電極ＥＬ
の上面に前述した円筒電極の弾性材料で形成した周表面
が密着する様に、両電極を配置してある。この場合、円
筒電極の表面層が若干撓む程度に、両電極を密着させる
のが好ましい。これにより、図７に示す様に、記録部Ｗ
の幅方向全域において記録電極ＥＬ上面と円筒電極５周
表面を確実に密着させることができる。Thus, the recording electrode EL constructed as described above.
Both electrodes are arranged so that the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode made of the elastic material described above is in close contact with the upper surface of the. In this case, it is preferable that both electrodes are brought into close contact with each other such that the surface layer of the cylindrical electrode is slightly bent. As a result, as shown in FIG.
The upper surface of the recording electrode EL and the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 can be surely brought into close contact with each other in the entire width direction.

【００２４】以上の様に記録部Ｗを構成することによ
り、記録電極ＥＬ上面と円筒電極５周表面との間に進入
する磁性トナーの量を常に適正量に規制でき、且つ記録
電極ＥＬ上面に磁性トナーが融着する不具合を確実に防
止することができる。その理由について、図４及び図６
乃至図８に基づき以下に説明する。尚、図６乃至図８
は、夫々、記録部をトナー搬送方向の下流側から視た模
式的立面図である。By configuring the recording portion W as described above, the amount of magnetic toner that enters between the upper surface of the recording electrode EL and the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 can be regulated to an appropriate amount at all times, and the upper surface of the recording electrode EL can be regulated. It is possible to reliably prevent the problem that the magnetic toner is fused. Regarding the reason, FIG. 4 and FIG.
The following description is based on FIG. 6 to 8
FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic elevational views of the recording unit as viewed from the downstream side in the toner transport direction.

【００２５】稼働（プリント）開始前には、図７に示す
様に、記録電極ＥＬ上面と円筒電極５周表面が平らな状
態で密着している。この状態下において、図４に示す様
に、マグネットロール１６の回転と共に、磁性トナーｄ
が現像スリーブ１５の周表面上を矢印ヘ方向に進行し記
録部Ｗへ搬送されてくる。記録部Ｗでは、図８の(ａ)に
示す様に、円筒電極５の可撓性弾性材料から成る表面層
５ｂが磁性トナーｄの厚み分だけ柔軟に凹み、搬送され
てきた磁性トナーｄが円筒電極５周表面と記録電極ＥＬ
上面間に挟まれた状態となる。この場合の磁性トナーｄ
に対する挾圧力は、円筒電極表面層５ｂの材質を適切に
選定する等の方法により、上流側でドクタブレード１２
ａ（図２参照）により層厚を規制された磁性トナーｄが
更に均一に層厚を規制されつつ適切な速度で進行できる
程度の大きさに設定してある。これにより、画像濃度が
充分且つ均一な記録画像を安定して得ることができる。Before the operation (printing) starts, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper surface of the recording electrode EL and the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 are in close contact with each other in a flat state. In this state, as shown in FIG. 4, as the magnet roll 16 rotates, the magnetic toner d
Moves in the direction of the arrow on the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15 and is conveyed to the recording portion W. In the recording portion W, as shown in FIG. 8A, the surface layer 5b made of a flexible elastic material of the cylindrical electrode 5 is flexibly depressed by the thickness of the magnetic toner d, and the conveyed magnetic toner d is Circular surface of cylindrical electrode 5 and recording electrode EL
It will be sandwiched between the upper surfaces. Magnetic toner d in this case
The clamping pressure against the doctor blade 12 is set on the upstream side by a method such as appropriately selecting the material of the cylindrical electrode surface layer 5b.
The magnetic toner d whose layer thickness is regulated by a (see FIG. 2) is set to a size such that the magnetic toner d can proceed at an appropriate speed while the layer thickness is regulated more uniformly. As a result, it is possible to stably obtain a recorded image having a sufficient image density and uniform.

【００２６】又、円筒電極５の回転振れにより、その周
表面の一部が数μｍから数十μｍ程度記録電極ＥＬ側へ
寄ることがある。この場合も、図８の(ｂ)に示す様に、
磁性トナーｄを挟んで対向する記録電極ＥＬが、円筒電
極５周表面の振れに対応して段差Ｇの底部側へ柔軟に撓
み、磁性トナーｄを過度に挾圧する不都合が回避され
る。従って、磁性トナーｄが電極間において過度に圧密
されて電気抵抗値が低下し、過剰なリーク電流が流れて
磁性トナーｄが発熱し溶融する虞が略解消される。Further, due to the rotational runout of the cylindrical electrode 5, a part of the peripheral surface thereof may shift to the recording electrode EL side by several μm to several tens μm. Also in this case, as shown in FIG.
It is possible to avoid the disadvantage that the recording electrodes EL that face each other with the magnetic toner d interposed therebetween flexibly flex toward the bottom of the step G in response to the shake of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical electrode 5, and excessively compress the magnetic toner d. Therefore, it is possible to substantially eliminate the fear that the magnetic toner d is excessively compacted between the electrodes, the electric resistance value is lowered, an excessive leak current flows, and the magnetic toner d is heated and melted.

【００２７】更に、もし磁性トナーが圧密されて溶融す
る様な状態が発生しても、記録電極への融着は防止され
る。即ち、プリントが終了して磁性トナーの搬送を停止
したときに円筒電極だけを回転させると、円筒電極周表
面が記録電極上面に摺接し、記録電極上に付着した溶融
磁性トナーを掻き取り除去する。これにより、記録電極
上面は、常に付着物の無い状態に保たれる。尚、円筒電
極が周表面を記録電極上面に摺接させつつ回転しても、
その表面層が可撓性弾性材料で形成されているから、記
録電極が摩耗する虞はない。Further, even if the magnetic toner is compacted and melted, the fusion to the recording electrode is prevented. That is, when only the cylindrical electrode is rotated when printing is completed and the magnetic toner conveyance is stopped, the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode is brought into sliding contact with the upper surface of the recording electrode, and the molten magnetic toner adhering to the recording electrode is scraped off. . As a result, the upper surface of the recording electrode is always kept in a state of no foreign matter. It should be noted that even if the cylindrical electrode is rotated while the peripheral surface is in sliding contact with the recording electrode upper surface,
Since the surface layer is made of a flexible elastic material, there is no fear that the recording electrode will be worn.

【００２８】加えて、磁性トナー中に混入した異物や磁
性トナーのブロック等が記録部に搬送されて来ても、そ
の異物を円筒電極とで挟む記録電極が、両側の記録電極
とはスリットにより分離されている為に、それら両側の
記録電極とは別個に自由に撓み、異物を円滑に通過させ
ることができる。In addition, even if a foreign substance mixed in the magnetic toner or a block of the magnetic toner is conveyed to the recording portion, the recording electrode sandwiching the foreign substance with the cylindrical electrode is separated from the recording electrodes on both sides by a slit. Since they are separated, they can flex freely independently of the recording electrodes on both sides thereof and allow foreign matter to pass smoothly.

【００２９】図２において、記録部Ｗのトナー搬送方向
ヘに対して下流側には、前述した水平循環経路１３の中
央空間Ｓを囲繞する壁で現像剤貯留槽１２側の壁Ｓw1を
延出し、その先端を現像スリーブ１５周表面に当接させ
てある。これにより、記録部Ｗで転移されず現像スリー
ブ１５周表面に残留し、マグネットロール１６の回転と
共に搬送されてきた磁性トナーｄ′を水平循環経路１３
の補給槽側経路１３ａ上に掻き落とし、磁性トナーｄ′
が中央空間Ｓ内に侵入したり、水平循環経路１３を経ず
に現像スリーブ１５周面に沿って上流側に直接返送され
る不都合を防止する。尚、中央空間Ｓの周囲壁と別個
に、現像スリーブ１５に付着する残留磁性トナーｄ′を
掻き取る為の専用の平板部材を設けてもよい。この場
合、その掻取り部材を垂直方向に支持し、先端を現像ス
リーブ１５周表面上に当接させ、他端部を中央空間Ｓ底
部まで延在させればよい。又、掻取り部材を磁性材料で
形成すれば、マグネットロール１６の磁力を遮断でき、
より円滑な掻き取り搬送効果が得られる。In FIG. 2, a wall Sw1 on the side of the developer storage tank 12 is extended to the downstream side of the recording portion W in the toner conveying direction by a wall surrounding the central space S of the horizontal circulation path 13 described above. , Its tip is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15. As a result, the magnetic toner d ′ that has not been transferred in the recording portion W and remains on the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15 and is conveyed along with the rotation of the magnet roll 16 is circulated horizontally.
Of the magnetic toner d '
It is possible to prevent the inconvenience of intruding into the central space S or returning directly to the upstream side along the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15 without passing through the horizontal circulation path 13. In addition, a dedicated flat plate member for scraping off the residual magnetic toner d ′ adhering to the developing sleeve 15 may be provided separately from the peripheral wall of the central space S. In this case, the scraping member may be supported in the vertical direction, the tip may be brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15, and the other end may be extended to the bottom of the central space S. If the scraping member is made of a magnetic material, the magnetic force of the magnet roll 16 can be blocked.
A smoother scraping and conveying effect can be obtained.

【００３０】前述した様に先端を段差（不図示）面から
突出させた記録電極シート１７は、現像スリーブ１５の
約半分の周表面に亘って敷設し、水平方向に引き出した
後垂直に降下させ、前述した水平循環経路の中央空間Ｓ
内まで延設してある。この記録電極シート１７の垂直延
設部には、記録データに応じて各記録電極ＥＬに記録電
圧を印加する複数個の駆動回路素子１８を搭載してあ
る。そして、図５に示す様に、各駆動回路素子１８に上
述した記録電極シート１７の記録電極線１７ａをＮ本づ
つに分けて夫々接続してある。この様に、記録電極シー
ト１７の駆動回路素子１８を搭載した他端部を中央空間
Ｓ内に収納設置することにより、駆動回路素子１８を現
像剤等の埃から防御できると共に、現像記録槽１２の構
造が極めてコンパクト化される。As described above, the recording electrode sheet 17 having the tip protruding from the step (not shown) surface is laid over the peripheral surface of about half of the developing sleeve 15, and is pulled out horizontally and then vertically lowered. , The central space S of the horizontal circulation path described above
It has been extended to the inside. A plurality of drive circuit elements 18 for applying a recording voltage to each recording electrode EL according to recording data are mounted on a vertically extending portion of the recording electrode sheet 17. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the recording electrode lines 17a of the recording electrode sheet 17 described above are connected to each drive circuit element 18 in groups of N each. As described above, the other end portion of the recording electrode sheet 17 on which the drive circuit element 18 is mounted is housed and installed in the central space S, so that the drive circuit element 18 can be protected from dust such as a developer and the development recording tank 12 can be protected. The structure of is extremely compact.

【００３１】次に、本例の静電記録装置における記録画
像形成動作について説明する。図２において、マグネッ
トロール１６を矢印ホ方向に駆動回転すると、現像スリ
ーブ１５の外周面上には、磁性トナーｄの粒子を自転さ
せる回転磁場が形成され、磁性トナーｄが穂を形成しつ
つマグネットロール１６の回転方向とは逆の矢印ヘ方向
に搬送される。搬送される磁性トナーｄは、ドクタブレ
ード１２ａにより所定の厚さに穂切り規制された後、記
録部Ｗに至る。この際に、磁性トナーｄが磁性トナー同
士や現像スリーブ１５周表面との摩擦により本例では負
極性に帯電する。Next, a recording image forming operation in the electrostatic recording apparatus of this example will be described. In FIG. 2, when the magnet roll 16 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow E, a rotating magnetic field for rotating the particles of the magnetic toner d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15, and the magnetic toner d forms a brush while forming a magnet. The roll 16 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow opposite to the rotating direction. The conveyed magnetic toner d reaches the recording portion W after being regulated to have a predetermined thickness by the doctor blade 12a. At this time, the magnetic toner d is negatively charged in this example due to friction between the magnetic toners and the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15.

【００３２】記録部Ｗでは、図７に示す様に並設された
多数の記録電極ＥＬに対し円筒電極５の周表面が接しつ
つ回転移動している。この電極間に磁性トナーが搬入さ
れると、図８(ａ)に示す様に、磁性トナーｄが両電極間
に挾まれて更に搬送量が規制され、磁性トナーｄの層厚
が薄くなると共に均一化される。この様な状態下の記録
部Ｗにおいて、各記録電極ＥＬに対し、前述した様に駆
動回路素子が記録データに応じて記録電圧を選択的に印
加する。この場合、１ビットの記録データが例えば
“Ｈ”のときに、対応する記録電極ＥＬに−２００Ｖの
電圧が印加されると、記録電極ＥＬに対向する円筒電極
５にはバイアス電源により−５０Ｖの電圧を印加してい
るので、円筒電極５から記録電極ＥＬに向けて１５０Ｖ
の電位差が形成される。負極性に帯電した磁性トナーｄ
は電位の高い方へ移動するから、−２００Ｖの電圧が印
加されている記録電極ＥＬ上の磁性トナーｄだけが選択
的に円筒電極５表面に転移し、１黒ドットを形成する。In the recording portion W, as shown in FIG. 7, the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 is rotationally moved while being in contact with a large number of recording electrodes EL arranged in parallel. When the magnetic toner is carried in between the electrodes, as shown in FIG. 8A, the magnetic toner d is sandwiched between the electrodes to further restrict the amount of conveyance, and the layer thickness of the magnetic toner d becomes thin. Be homogenized. In the recording portion W under such a state, the drive circuit element selectively applies the recording voltage to each recording electrode EL according to the recording data as described above. In this case, when the voltage of −200 V is applied to the corresponding recording electrode EL when the 1-bit recording data is “H”, for example, the cylindrical electrode 5 facing the recording electrode EL is supplied with −50 V by the bias power supply. Since a voltage is applied, 150 V from the cylindrical electrode 5 to the recording electrode EL
Potential difference is formed. Negatively charged magnetic toner d
Moves to a higher potential, so that only the magnetic toner d on the recording electrode EL to which a voltage of -200 V is applied is selectively transferred to the surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 to form one black dot.

【００３３】一方、１ビットの記録データが“Ｌ”のと
きは記録電極ＥＬが接地電位となる。その結果、円筒電
極５からその対応記録電極ＥＬに見た電位差は−５０Ｖ
となり、負極性の磁性トナーｄは記録電極ＥＬ側に保持
されたままで転移しない。On the other hand, when the 1-bit recording data is "L", the recording electrode EL has the ground potential. As a result, the potential difference seen from the cylindrical electrode 5 to the corresponding recording electrode EL is -50V.
Therefore, the negative magnetic toner d remains held on the recording electrode EL side and does not transfer.

【００３４】上述の様に、入力記録データに応じて各記
録電極ＥＬの電位が−２００Ｖと接地電位に選択的に制
御され、円筒電極５表面に記録データに応じたトナー記
録画像が形成される。この場合、前述した様に磁性トナ
ーｄが極めて均一に薄層化されている為、画像濃度が充
分で且つ均一な記録画像を安定して形成することができ
る。又、円筒電極５周表面と記録電極ＥＬが共に柔軟性
を備え、両電極間に挾まれた磁性トナーｄを過度に圧密
しない構成となっているから、圧密された磁性トナーｄ
に過剰なリーク電流が流れ磁性トナーｄが溶融して電極
に付着する不具合の発生が回避される。もし記録電極Ｅ
Ｌに磁性トナーｄが融着しても、記録電極ＥＬに間欠的
に摺接する円筒電極５周表面により融着トナーが掻き取
り除去される。従って、記録電極ＥＬ上面は、常に付着
物のないクリーンな状態に保たれている。これにより、
記録データに忠実で鮮明且つ高解像度の記録画像を安定
して形成可能となる。As described above, the potential of each recording electrode EL is selectively controlled to -200 V and the ground potential according to the input recording data, and the toner recording image according to the recording data is formed on the surface of the cylindrical electrode 5. . In this case, since the magnetic toner d is extremely uniformly thinned as described above, it is possible to stably form a recorded image with a sufficient image density. Further, both the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 and the recording electrode EL are flexible, and the magnetic toner d sandwiched between the electrodes is not excessively compacted.
It is possible to avoid the problem that excessive leakage current flows and the magnetic toner d melts and adheres to the electrodes. If the recording electrode E
Even if the magnetic toner d is fused to L, the fused toner is scraped off by the peripheral surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 which is in sliding contact with the recording electrode EL intermittently. Therefore, the upper surface of the recording electrode EL is always kept in a clean state with no foreign matter. This allows
It becomes possible to stably form a clear and high-resolution recorded image that is faithful to the recorded data.

【００３５】又、図４に示す様に、記録部Ｗに段差Ｇを
形成してあるから、画像形成に供されずに現像スリーブ
１５上に残留する磁性トナーｄ′が、記録部Ｗ通過後直
ちに円筒電極５表面から遠ざかる。従って、記録部Ｗで
円筒電極５表面に形成されたトナー記録画像が、残留磁
性トナーｄ′との相互干渉により乱される不都合が確実
に回避される。Further, as shown in FIG. 4, since the step G is formed in the recording portion W, the magnetic toner d ′ remaining on the developing sleeve 15 without being used for image formation passes through the recording portion W. Immediately move away from the surface of the cylindrical electrode 5. Therefore, it is possible to surely avoid the problem that the toner recording image formed on the surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 in the recording portion W is disturbed by mutual interference with the residual magnetic toner d '.

【００３６】更に、図５に示す様に、記録電極ＥＬは絶
縁コート１７ｃを被着せずに露出してあるから、記録電
極ＥＬ上に不要電荷が蓄積されない。従って、不要電荷
による地汚れや記録電極間の電圧リーク現象が防止さ
れ、高解像度で高濃度の鮮明なトナー記録画像が安定し
て形成される。Further, as shown in FIG. 5, since the recording electrode EL is exposed without being covered with the insulating coat 17c, unnecessary charges are not accumulated on the recording electrode EL. Therefore, the background stain due to unnecessary electric charges and the voltage leak phenomenon between the recording electrodes are prevented, and a clear toner recorded image with high resolution and high density can be stably formed.

【００３７】図１において、円筒電極５表面に形成され
たトナー記録画像は、円筒電極５の反時計回り方向イの
回転と共に画像転写部Ｔへ搬送され、ここで待機ロール
対３によりタイミングを測って再給送されてくる用紙上
に転写される。尚、上述のトナー記録画像の濃度を調節
するには、バイアス電源５ｃのバイアス電圧を変化させ
ればよい。その場合、適切な調節範囲は０〜−５０Ｖ程
度であり、０Ｖに近い程、画像濃度が高くなる。In FIG. 1, the toner recording image formed on the surface of the cylindrical electrode 5 is conveyed to the image transfer portion T along with the rotation of the cylindrical electrode 5 in the counterclockwise direction (a), and the timing is measured by the standby roll pair 3 here. And is transferred onto the paper that is re-fed. Incidentally, in order to adjust the density of the toner recording image described above, the bias voltage of the bias power source 5c may be changed. In that case, an appropriate adjustment range is about 0 to -50V, and the closer to 0V, the higher the image density.

【００３８】図２において、記録部Ｗで円筒電極５側へ
転移せずに残留する磁性トナーｄ′は、マグネットロー
ル１６の回転と共に下流側に移動し、掻取り壁Ｓw1によ
り現像スリーブ１５表面から掻き取られ、オーガロール
１４ａに落下して補給口１１ｂから補給される磁性トナ
ーｄ0と撹拌混合される。In FIG. 2, the magnetic toner d ′ remaining without being transferred to the cylindrical electrode 5 side at the recording portion W moves to the downstream side as the magnet roll 16 rotates, and is removed from the surface of the developing sleeve 15 by the scraping wall Sw1. It is scraped off, falls onto the auger roll 14a, and is stirred and mixed with the magnetic toner d0 supplied from the supply port 11b.

【００３９】オーガロール１４ａの回転と共に、落下返
送された残留磁性トナーｄ′と補給用磁性トナーｄ0が
混合撹拌されつつ循環搬送される。図３において、破線
矢印ニ方向に循環搬送される磁性トナーは、反補給側の
長手経路１３ｂを搬送される際に、その上方に延在する
マグネットロール１６の回転磁界により再度垂直方向に
搬送される。As the auger roll 14a rotates, the residual magnetic toner d'returned and returned and the replenishing magnetic toner d0 are mixed and stirred and circulated and conveyed. In FIG. 3, the magnetic toner that is circulated and conveyed in the direction of the arrow D in the broken line is conveyed again in the vertical direction by the rotating magnetic field of the magnet roll 16 that extends above when it is conveyed along the longitudinal path 13b on the side opposite to the replenishment side. It

【００４０】以上の様に、記録部Ｗにおいて円筒電極５
側へ転移されず下流側に搬送された残留磁性トナーｄ′
が水平循環経路１３上へ掻き落とされ、この水平循環経
路１３を通じて撹拌されつつ円滑に上流側に返送され、
再度トナー記録画像の形成に供される。この場合、垂直
方向に搬送する前の磁性トナーｄが、現像スリーブ１５
の軸方向（トナー搬送路の幅方向：主走査方向）に沿っ
て撹拌されつつ搬送されている為、常に現像スリーブ１
５周表面の幅方向全域に亘り均一に供給される。従っ
て、現像スリーブ１５周表面には、その幅方向全域に亘
って常に均一に磁性トナーｄが担持されて記録部Ｗへ搬
送され、画像濃度が均一な良好な記録画像を安定して得
ることが可能となる。又、磁性トナーｄが水平循環経路
１３を撹拌されつつ循環搬送される際に、磁性トナー粒
子同士が摩擦し合い、磁性トナーが充分に摩擦帯電す
る。As described above, in the recording section W, the cylindrical electrode 5
Of the residual magnetic toner d ′ that has been transferred to the downstream side without being transferred to the side
Is scraped off onto the horizontal circulation path 13 and is smoothly returned to the upstream side while being agitated through this horizontal circulation path 13,
It is again used for forming a toner recording image. In this case, the magnetic toner d before being conveyed in the vertical direction is not transferred to the developing sleeve 15
The developing sleeve 1 is always agitated and conveyed along the axial direction (width direction of the toner conveying path: main scanning direction).
It is uniformly supplied over the entire width direction of the surface of the five circumferences. Therefore, the magnetic toner d is always uniformly carried on the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 15 over the entire width direction and is conveyed to the recording portion W, so that a good recorded image having a uniform image density can be stably obtained. It will be possible. Further, when the magnetic toner d is circulated and conveyed while being stirred in the horizontal circulation path 13, the magnetic toner particles rub against each other and the magnetic toner is sufficiently frictionally charged.

【００４１】ここで、図４に示す円筒電極表面層５ｂの
材質や構造を前述した表面硬度と体積電気抵抗値の条件
を充たす範囲内で変え、実際に画像形成を実施した比較
実験結果について説明する。Here, the results of a comparative experiment in which an image is actually formed by changing the material and structure of the cylindrical electrode surface layer 5b shown in FIG. 4 within a range satisfying the conditions of the surface hardness and the volume electric resistance value described above will be described. To do.

【００４２】本例では、円筒電極表面層５ｂを表面硬度
Ｈsが９０°で体積電気抵抗値が１×１０¹¹〔Ω・cm〕の
導電性ウレタンゴムで形成してある。この円筒電極５を
図１に示した静電記録装置に取り付け、記録画像形成
（プリント）を１万回に亘り繰り返し行なっても、白ス
ジ等の画像欠陥のない良好な画質を安定して得ることが
できた。In this example, the cylindrical electrode surface layer 5b is formed of a conductive urethane rubber having a surface hardness Hs of 90 ° and a volume electric resistance value of 1 × 10 ¹¹ [Ω · cm]. Even if this cylindrical electrode 5 is attached to the electrostatic recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and recording image formation (printing) is repeated 10,000 times, a good image quality without image defects such as white lines can be stably obtained. I was able to.

【００４３】又、円筒電極表面層５ｂを表面硬度Ｈsが
３０°で体積電気抵抗値が１×１０⁷〔Ω・cm〕の導電性
シリコンゴムで形成した円筒電極を図１の静電記録装置
に取り付け、同様に１万回のプリントを繰り返し実施し
たところ、白スジ等の画像欠陥のない良好な画質を安定
して得ることができた。Further, the cylindrical electrode having the surface hardness Hs of 30 ° and the volume electric resistance value of 1 × 10 ⁷ [Ω · cm] is formed on the cylindrical electrode surface layer 5b by the conductive silicon rubber. Then, the same printing was repeated 10,000 times, and good image quality without image defects such as white stripes could be stably obtained.

【００４４】更に、円筒電極表面層を第１表面層上に第
２表面層を積層した２層構造とし、第１表面層を体積電
気抵抗値が１×１０¹¹〜１×１０¹²〔Ω・cm〕のアクリ
ルウレタンゴムで、第２表面層を体積電気抵抗値が１×
１０⁶〔Ω・cm〕のニトリルゴム（ＮＢＲ）で夫々形成
し、表面層全体の体積電気抵抗値が１×１０⁶〔Ω・cm〕
で表面硬度Ｈsが６０°の円筒電極を構成する。この円
筒電極を図１の静電記録装置に取り付け、同様に１万回
のプリントを繰り返し実施したところ、白スジ等の画像
欠陥のない良好な画質を安定して得ることができた。Further, the cylindrical electrode surface layer has a two-layer structure in which the second surface layer is laminated on the first surface layer, and the first surface layer has a volume electric resistance value of 1 × 10 ¹¹ to 1 × 10 ¹² [Ω · cm] acrylic urethane rubber, the volume resistivity of the second surface layer is 1 ×
Made of nitrile rubber (NBR) of 10 ⁶ [Ω · cm], and the volume electric resistance value of the entire surface layer is 1 × 10 ⁶ [Ω · cm].
To form a cylindrical electrode having a surface hardness Hs of 60 °. When this cylindrical electrode was attached to the electrostatic recording apparatus of FIG. 1 and printing was repeated 10,000 times in the same manner, good image quality without image defects such as white stripes could be stably obtained.

【００４５】次に、本発明の他の幾つかの実施例を図９
乃至図１１に基づき説明する。尚、上記実施例と同一の
構成部材については、同一符号を付してその説明を省略
する。図９に示す実施例は、現像剤搬送手段としてマグ
ネットロールでなく励磁コイルにより進行波磁界を発生
させるコイル搬送部材１９を採用し、現像剤の搬送経路
を非円周路に形成したものである。コイル搬送部材１９
は、断面が非円形の磁性体で形成した基体２０の外周面
に、幅方向へ平行に延びる多数の溝２０ａを凹設し、そ
の各溝２０ａ間に導線を巻着して多数の励磁コイル２１
を形成した構成となっている。この励磁コイル２１をｎ
個の組に分け、各組にπ／ｎづつ位相をずらした交番電
流を通電すると、コイル搬送部材１９外周面に沿って例
えば矢印ト方向に進行する進行波磁界が発生する。この
コイル搬送部材１９の外周面に上記実施例と同一構成の
記録電極シート１７を敷設し、その一方の端部を基体２
０内に引き込み、記録電極の駆動回路素子１８を搭載し
てある。本例のコイル搬送部材１９による現像剤搬送手
段は、回転部材を用いないから、装置の耐久性が向上す
ると共に、現像剤の搬送路を自由に設定でき装置の小型
化を大幅に促進することが可能となる。Next, some other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described with reference to FIGS. The same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 employs a coil conveying member 19 for generating a traveling wave magnetic field by an exciting coil instead of a magnet roll as the developer conveying means, and the developer conveying path is formed in a non-circular path. . Coil transfer member 19
Is formed by forming a large number of grooves 20a extending parallel to the width direction on the outer peripheral surface of a base body 20 formed of a magnetic material having a non-circular cross section, and winding a conductor wire between the grooves 20a to form a large number of exciting coils. 21
Is formed. This exciting coil 21
When an alternating current having a phase shift of π / n is applied to each set, a traveling wave magnetic field that travels in the arrow T direction along the outer peripheral surface of the coil transport member 19 is generated. The recording electrode sheet 17 having the same structure as that of the above-described embodiment is laid on the outer peripheral surface of the coil conveying member 19, and one end of the recording electrode sheet 17 is laid on the base body 2.
A drive circuit element 18 for the recording electrode is mounted by pulling it into 0. Since the developer carrying means by the coil carrying member 19 of the present example does not use a rotating member, the durability of the device is improved, and the developer carrying path can be freely set, which greatly promotes downsizing of the device. Is possible.

【００４６】又、図１０に示す実施例は、現像剤搬送手
段として一対のマグネットロール２２，２２を用い、両
者の回転磁界の連携作用により現像剤を長円形の現像剤
担持部材２３表面に沿って矢印チ方向に搬送するもので
ある。この場合も、同様に構成した記録電極シート１７
の記録電極となる一端部を現像剤担持部材２３表面に沿
って敷設し、その他端部を現像剤担持部材２３内部に引
き込んで記録電極の駆動回路素子１８を搭載してある。In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a pair of magnet rolls 22 and 22 are used as the developer transport means, and the developer is carried along the surface of the oval developer carrying member 23 by the cooperative action of the rotating magnetic fields of the two. And is conveyed in the direction of arrow C. Also in this case, the recording electrode sheet 17 having the same structure is used.
The drive circuit element 18 for the recording electrode is mounted by laying one end of the recording electrode of (1) along the surface of the developer carrying member 23 and drawing the other end into the developer carrying member 23.

【００４７】更に、図１１に示す実施例は、現像スリー
ブ２４内部にマグネットロール２５を配設し、記録電極
シート２６の一端部を現像スリーブ２４周表面に敷設
し、他端部を現像スリーブ２４の外部に延出し、その端
部に記録電極の駆動回路素子１８を搭載したものであ
る。この場合、現像剤の進行を阻止しない様に、記録電
極シート２６の幅方向に沿って複数の開口２６ａを穿設
してある。Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the magnet roll 25 is arranged inside the developing sleeve 24, one end of the recording electrode sheet 26 is laid on the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 24, and the other end is formed on the developing sleeve 24. Of the recording electrode, and the drive circuit element 18 for the recording electrode is mounted on the end thereof. In this case, a plurality of openings 26a are formed along the width direction of the recording electrode sheet 26 so as not to prevent the progress of the developer.

【００４８】上述した３通りの何れの実施例において
も、図２に示す実施例と同様に、円筒電極５の表面層５
ｂを所要の表面硬度と体積電気抵抗値を備えた導電性の
弾性材料で形成し、記録電極シート１７，２６の各先端
部に形成してある複数の記録電極間にスリット（不図
示）を切り込むと共に、これら記録電極を段差Ｇから突
出させ揺動できる構成となっている。そして、記録電極
と円筒電極５を各表面が非稼働時において密着する様に
配設してある。これにより、図２の実施例と同様に、電
極間に挟む磁性トナーを極めて均一に薄層化できると共
に、記録電極への磁性トナーの融着を確実に防止するこ
とができる。よって、充分に高く且つ均一な画像濃度を
備えると共に鮮明で高解像度の記録画像を安定して形成
することができる。In all of the above-mentioned three embodiments, the surface layer 5 of the cylindrical electrode 5 is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG.
b is formed of a conductive elastic material having a required surface hardness and volume electric resistance value, and slits (not shown) are formed between the plurality of recording electrodes formed at the respective tip portions of the recording electrode sheets 17 and 26. It is configured such that the recording electrodes can be swung by projecting from the step G while being cut. The recording electrode and the cylindrical electrode 5 are arranged so that their surfaces are in close contact with each other when not in operation. As a result, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic toner sandwiched between the electrodes can be made extremely thin and the fusion of the magnetic toner on the recording electrodes can be reliably prevented. Therefore, it is possible to stably form a clear and high-resolution recorded image while having a sufficiently high and uniform image density.

【００４９】尚、本発明は、上記の特定の実施例に限定
されるべきものでなく、本発明の技術的範囲において種
々の変形が可能であることは勿論である。例えば、図１
２に示す様に、記録電極ＥＬを個々に揺動可能に切り離
し、段差Ｇから突出させずにクッション部材１５ｂで支
持する構成としてもよい。又、円筒電極表面層５ｂを可
撓性弾性材料で形成するだけで、記録電極を揺動可能に
支持せず単に現像剤担持部材上に敷設してもよい。これ
らの場合にも、図２に示す実施例と同様に、記録電極に
対する現像剤の融着を防止し、画像濃度が均一で鮮明且
つ高解像度の記録画像を安定して得ることができる。加
えて、図２に示す実施例ではトナーとして負（−）帯電
性のトナーを用いたが、正（＋）帯電性のトナーを用い
ることも可能である。その場合、記録電極及び対向電極
へ印加するバイアス電圧を正（＋）極性とすればよい。It should be noted that the present invention should not be limited to the above specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in FIG.
As shown in 2, the recording electrodes EL may be individually swingably separated and supported by the cushion member 15b without protruding from the step G. Alternatively, the cylindrical electrode surface layer 5b may be formed of a flexible elastic material, and the recording electrode may not be swingably supported but simply laid on the developer carrying member. In these cases as well, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to prevent the fusion of the developer to the recording electrodes and stably obtain a clear and high-resolution recorded image with a uniform image density. In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a toner having a negative (−) chargeability is used as the toner, but a toner having a positive (+) chargeability can also be used. In that case, the bias voltage applied to the recording electrode and the counter electrode may have a positive (+) polarity.

【００５０】[0050]

【発明の効果】以上、詳細に説明した様に、本発明によ
れば、現像剤の搬送路となる現像剤担持部材表面に複数
の記録電極を対向電極に対し微小間隙を保って並列敷設
し、対向電極の少なくとも表面部を導電性弾性材料で形
成し、対向電極と記録電極を各表面が密着する様に配設
することにより、両電極間に搬入される現像剤を常に適
切な圧力で挾持しつつ搬送することができ、且つ、記録
電極を対向電極表面で摺接清掃することができる。これ
により、電極間に搬入される現像剤の層厚が極めて均一
に規制されると共に、過度に圧密された現像剤に過剰な
リーク電流が流れて現像剤が溶融し記録電極に付着した
場合に、その融着現像剤を対向電極で摺接除去し記録電
極を常に汚れの無い状態に保つことができる。よって、
充分且つ均一な画像濃度を備え鮮明で高解像度の記録画
像を長期に亘って安定して形成することが可能となる。As described in detail above, according to the present invention, a plurality of recording electrodes are laid in parallel on the surface of the developer carrying member, which serves as a developer transporting path, with respect to the opposing electrodes with a minute gap. By forming at least the surface portion of the counter electrode with a conductive elastic material and disposing the counter electrode and the recording electrode so that the respective surfaces are in close contact with each other, the developer carried in between the two electrodes is always kept at an appropriate pressure. It is possible to convey the recording electrode while holding it, and to clean the recording electrode by sliding contact with the surface of the counter electrode. As a result, the layer thickness of the developer carried in between the electrodes is regulated extremely uniformly, and when excessive leak current flows in the excessively compacted developer and the developer melts and adheres to the recording electrode. It is possible to keep the recording electrode clean by removing the fused developer by sliding contact with the counter electrode. Therefore,
It is possible to form a clear and high-resolution recorded image stably with a sufficient and uniform image density for a long period of time.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明の一実施例としての静電記録装置の全体
構成を示す模式的断面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of an electrostatic recording device as an embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】上記静電記録装置における記録画像形成ユニッ
トとその周辺構成を示す模式的断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a recording image forming unit and its peripheral configuration in the electrostatic recording apparatus.

【図３】上記記録画像形成ユニットの水平循環経路を示
す平断面図である。FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view showing a horizontal circulation path of the recording image forming unit.

【図４】上記静電記録装置における記録部と円筒電極の
構成を示す模式的側断面図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing a configuration of a recording unit and a cylindrical electrode in the electrostatic recording device.

【図５】上記記録画像形成ユニット全体を示す斜視図で
ある。FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the entire recording image forming unit.

【図６】上記記録部の記録電極を斜視図と平面図で示す
構成説明図である。FIG. 6 is a configuration explanatory view showing a recording electrode of the recording unit in a perspective view and a plan view.

【図７】上記記録部を示す模式的立面図である。FIG. 7 is a schematic elevational view showing the recording unit.

【図８】上記記録部における異なる動作を各模式的立面
図で示す動作説明図である。FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram showing different operations in the recording unit in respective schematic elevational views.

【図９】本発明の他の実施例を示す斜視図である。FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

【図１０】本発明の更に他の実施例を示す斜視図であ
る。FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the present invention.

【図１１】本発明の又更に他の実施例を示す斜視図であ
る。FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the present invention.

【図１２】本発明の記録電極の変形実施例を示す斜視図
である。FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a modified embodiment of the recording electrode of the present invention.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

４…転写帯電器 ５…円筒電極 ５ａ…素管 ５ｂ…表面層 ５ｃ…バイアス電源（円筒電極側） １１…現像剤貯留槽 １２…現像記録槽 １３…水平循環経路 １４ａ，１４ｂ…オーガロール １５，２４…現像スリーブ １６，２２，２５…マグネットロール １７，２６…記録電極シート １７ａ…記録電極線 １７ｃ…絶縁コート １８…駆動回路素子 １９…コイル搬送部材 ２１…励磁コイル ＥＬ…記録電極 Ｇ…段差 Ｓ…中央空間 Ｕ…記録画像形成ユニット Ｗ…記録部 4 ... Transfer charger 5 ... Cylindrical electrode 5a ... Element tube 5b ... surface layer 5c ... Bias power supply (cylindrical electrode side) 11 ... Developer storage tank 12 ... Development recording tank 13 ... Horizontal circulation path 14a, 14b ... Auger roll 15, 24 ... Development sleeve 16, 22, 25 ... Magnet roll 17, 26 ... Recording electrode sheet 17a ... Recording electrode wire 17c ... Insulation coat 18 ... Drive circuit element 19 ... Coil transfer member 21 ... Excitation coil EL ... Recording electrode G ... Step S ... Central space U: Recorded image forming unit W ... Recording section

Claims (2)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 所定の経路に沿って敷設した現像剤担持
部材と、該現像剤担持部材の表面に沿って現像剤を搬送
する現像剤搬送手段と、前記現像剤担持部材の表面上に
間隔を保って並設した複数の記録電極と、該記録電極に
対し対向配置した弾性材料よりなる対向電極とを有し、
各前記記録電極に記録情報に応じて電圧を印加し、前記
現像剤担持部材表面に沿って搬送されてくる現像剤を前
記対向電極側へ選択的に転移させる静電記録装置におい
て、 前記記録電極と前記対向電極を密着配置したことを特徴
とする静電記録装置。1. A developer carrying member laid along a predetermined path, a developer carrying means for carrying the developer along the surface of the developer carrying member, and a gap on the surface of the developer carrying member. A plurality of recording electrodes arranged side by side while maintaining, and a counter electrode made of an elastic material and arranged to face the recording electrodes,
In the electrostatic recording apparatus, a voltage is applied to each of the recording electrodes according to recording information, and the developer carried along the surface of the developer carrying member is selectively transferred to the counter electrode side. An electrostatic recording device, wherein the counter electrode and the counter electrode are closely arranged. 【請求項２】 前記記録電極と前記対向電極が弾性変形
する程度に密着配置した請求項１記載の静電記録装置。2. The electrostatic recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording electrode and the counter electrode are closely arranged so as to elastically deform.