JPH05341644A - Developing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the quality of a copied image by mixing and stirring developer, newly supplied toner and recycled toner through two circulation paths being a short path. CONSTITUTION:The developer passing through an aperture part 107A is mixed and stirred with the developer recycled from a developing area by the stirring wing 103A of a rotating main stirring member 103 and uniformized, then it is supplied to a developing roller 102 and fed to the developing area after regulating the developer layer thickness by a napping regulating plate. Meanwhile, the developer fed in a direction (c) while it is stirred by the main stirring member 103 passes through the aperture part 107B for developer inflow of a partition plate and is recycled to an auxiliary stirring member 104 again, and the circulation path advancing in a direction (a) is formed. The developer fed in the direction (d) of the member 103 passes through the other aperture part 107C for developer inflow after stirring, is recycled to the member 104 again, and forms the circulation path advancing in a direction (b). The new toner and the developer stored in a developing part 100 are uniformly mixed.

Description

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

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】この発明は、電子写真記録方式や
静電記録方式により、像担持体上に形成された静電潜像
を現像剤を用いて可視像化する現像装置に関し、特に現
像剤の撹拌とトナー補給に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member by a developer by an electrophotographic recording system or an electrostatic recording system, and more particularly to a developing device. It relates to agitation of the developer and toner replenishment.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】一般に電子写真複写機等の静電画像形成
装置にあっては電荷保持体（感光体ドラム等）上の静電
潜像を現像装置において可視のトナー像としたのち、こ
れを記録紙上に転写・定着してコピー画像を形成するよ
うになっている。2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an electrostatic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrostatic latent image on a charge carrier (photoreceptor drum, etc.) is converted into a visible toner image in a developing device, which is then converted into a visible toner image. A copy image is formed by transferring and fixing on a recording paper.

【０００３】従来、感光体ドラム上に形成された静電潜
像の現像方法としてはトナーと磁性キャリアとを混合し
た二成分系現像剤または磁性トナーから成る一成分系現
像剤を用い、磁気ブラシ現像装置による現像が多く行わ
れている。磁気ブラシ現像装置は、非磁性の円筒状をし
た現像スリーブと、その内側に複数個の永久磁石からな
る磁気ロールとから構成される現像ローラを像担持体に
対して固定した位置間隔をもって配設するようにしたも
ので、現像スリーブ周面に磁気的に吸着した現像剤を現
像スリーブの回転によって前記の像担持体と対向した現
像領域に搬送し、静電潜像の現像を行うものである。Conventionally, as a method for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum, a two-component developer containing a mixture of toner and a magnetic carrier or a one-component developer consisting of a magnetic toner is used, and a magnetic brush is used. A lot of development is performed by the developing device. In a magnetic brush developing device, a developing roller composed of a non-magnetic cylindrical developing sleeve and a magnetic roll composed of a plurality of permanent magnets inside the developing sleeve is arranged at a fixed position with respect to an image carrier. The developer magnetically attracted to the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve is conveyed to the developing area facing the image bearing member by the rotation of the developing sleeve to develop the electrostatic latent image. ..

【０００４】すなわち、現像スリーブの外周面上の磁極
において磁気ブラシの穂として形成され、現像に使用さ
れた現像剤は、現像スリーブの回転に従って、現像スリ
ーブにのって運ばれ、現像剤掻落板または反撥磁界によ
り現像スリーブ面上から分離されるとともに、撹拌用羽
根車により、トナー容器から定量補給される新たなトナ
ーと混合・撹拌され、新たな現像に備えるようになって
いる。That is, the developer, which is formed as a brush of the magnetic brush on the magnetic pole on the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve and is used for the development, is carried on the developing sleeve as the developing sleeve rotates, and the developer scraping plate. Alternatively, the toner is separated from the surface of the developing sleeve by the repulsive magnetic field, and is mixed and stirred by a stirring impeller with new toner supplied in a fixed amount from the toner container to prepare for new development.

【０００５】上記二成分系現像剤を用いる現像装置で
は、コピーが繰返されると、現像装置内のトナーは消費
されるので、その消費量に見合った量だけトナーを補給
し、常にトナーのキャリアの混合比（トナー濃度）を一
定に保っておかないと、適正な濃度をもったコピーが行
われないので、現像装置内のトナーとキャリアの混合比
を検出し、トナー補給装置により自動的にトナーを落下
・補給するようになっている。In the developing device using the above-mentioned two-component developer, when copying is repeated, the toner in the developing device is consumed. Therefore, the toner is replenished in an amount corresponding to the consumed amount, and the toner carrier is always used. If the mixing ratio (toner density) is not kept constant, copying with an appropriate density will not be performed. Therefore, the mixing ratio of toner and carrier in the developing device is detected and the toner replenishing device automatically uses the toner. Are designed to fall and be replenished.

【０００６】従来の現像装置における現像剤撹拌手段と
しては特開昭58-194068号、同50-155235号、同52-13033
5号各公報が開示されている。As a developer stirring means in a conventional developing device, there are JP-A Nos. 58-194068, 50-155235 and 52-13033.
Each publication of No. 5 is disclosed.

【０００７】[0007]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】現像剤中のトナー濃度
は良質の画像を得るために極めて重要であって、安定し
た画像を得るためには、トナー濃度を常時、一定に保持
する必要がある。また、トナー濃度変化を濃度センサが
検知したら、直ちに新規トナーを補給し、効率よく速や
かに現像剤中のトナー濃度を均一かつ一定濃度にする必
要がある。The toner concentration in the developer is extremely important for obtaining a good quality image, and in order to obtain a stable image, it is necessary to keep the toner concentration constant all the time. .. Further, when the density sensor detects a change in toner density, it is necessary to replenish new toner immediately to make the toner density in the developer uniform and constant.

【０００８】この発明は、この要請に応えることのでき
る現像装置を提供することを目的とするものである。An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device which can meet this demand.

【０００９】[0009]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記を達成するこの発明
の現像装置は、静電潜像を形成する像担持体に対向配置
され現像剤層を形成する現像剤担持体と、現像剤を撹拌
して前記現像剤担持体に供給する第１の撹拌部材と、該
第１の撹拌部材から還流された現像剤と補給トナーを混
合撹拌して第１の撹拌部材に供給する第２の撹拌部材
と、前記現像剤担持体と第１の撹拌部材と第２の撹拌部
材の各回転軸を平行配置して支持する現像装置筐体とか
ら構成された現像装置であって、前記第１の撹拌部材と
第２の撹拌部材との間に仕切板を固設することにより前
記現像装置筐体内を分室化し、該仕切板の少なくとも１
箇所に第２の撹拌部材から第１の撹拌部材へ現像剤を流
出させる流出開口部を、該仕切板の両端部に現像剤を第
２の撹拌部材に還流させる流入開口部を設けるととも
に、前記第２の撹拌部材を現像搬送方向の異なる正方向
スパイラルスクリュー部と逆方向スパイラルスクリュー
部とを有する回転体により形成し、前記第２撹拌部材の
現像剤搬送と、仕切板の現像剤流出開口部と流入開口部
とにより、複数の現像剤循環経路を形成したことを特徴
とするものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A developing device of the present invention which achieves the above, is to stir a developer carrier which is arranged to face an image carrier which forms an electrostatic latent image and which forms a developer layer, and a developer. And a second stirring member for supplying the developer and the replenishment toner which are refluxed from the first stirring member to the first stirring member. A developing device housing configured to support the developer carrying member, the first stirring member and the second stirring member by arranging respective rotary shafts of the first stirring member in parallel with each other. By partitioning the partition plate between the member and the second stirring member, the inside of the developing device housing is divided into at least one partition plate.
An outlet opening for letting out the developer from the second stirring member to the first stirring member is provided at a position, and an inlet for letting the developer flow back to the second stirring member is provided at both ends of the partition plate. The second stirring member is formed by a rotating body having a forward spiral screw portion and a reverse spiral screw portion having different developing and conveying directions, and the developer conveying of the second stirring member and the developer outflow opening of the partition plate. A plurality of developer circulation paths are formed by the and the inflow opening.

【００１０】また、本発明の現像装置は、前記第２の撹
拌部材の一端部に、クリーニング装置により像担持体上
から除去された残留トナーを回収して投入し、前記複数
の現像剤循環経路に合流させることを特徴とする。Further, in the developing device of the present invention, the residual toner removed from the image bearing member by the cleaning device is collected and thrown into one end of the second stirring member, and the plurality of developer circulation paths are provided. It is characterized by merging into.

【００１１】[0011]

【実施例】以下、本発明を添付図面に基づいて説明す
る。The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

【００１２】図１は本発明に係る現像装置を装着した電
子写真複写機の全体構成図である。同図によって該複写
機の概略構成と機能を説明する。FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electrophotographic copying machine equipped with a developing device according to the present invention. The schematic structure and function of the copying machine will be described with reference to FIG.

【００１３】複写機本体の上面には原稿台ガラス１が設
けられている。原稿台ガラス１の面上に原稿Ｄをセット
して、原稿押え板（プラテンカバー）２で、押圧被覆し
たのち、複写開始スイッチを操作すると、露光用光源３
が原稿Ｄを相対的に露光走査して、その原稿Ｄの光像の
スリット光束Ｌが、光源３と一体をなす移動ミラーＭ１
を経て、同時に相対移動するキャリッジ４に搭載された
移動ミラーＭ２，Ｍ３を経て、撮像レンズ５により収歛
されて、更に固定ミラーＭ４を経て像担持体である感光
体ドラム６の表面に結像される。A document table glass 1 is provided on the upper surface of the main body of the copying machine. The original D is set on the surface of the original platen glass 1 and is pressed and covered by the original pressing plate (platen cover) 2. Then, the copy start switch is operated.
Performs relative exposure scanning of the document D, and the slit light flux L of the optical image of the document D is moved by the moving mirror M1 which is integrated with the light source 3.
Through the moving mirrors M2 and M3 mounted on the carriage 4 that moves relative to each other at the same time. To be done.

【００１４】感光体ドラム６は接地された金属円筒の外
周面にセレンやＯＰＣ等の光導電層を形成したもので、
上記の露光走査と連動して矢印（時計）方向に回転す
る。The photosensitive drum 6 is formed by forming a photoconductive layer such as selenium or OPC on the outer peripheral surface of a grounded metal cylinder.
It rotates in the arrow (clockwise) direction in conjunction with the above exposure scanning.

【００１５】感光体ドラム６の周辺には帯電極７、帯電
消去ＬＥＤ８、露光結像部９、現像装置10、転写電極1
1、分離電極12、分離爪13、クリーニング装置14、残像
消去（帯電前露光）装置15が順次配置されている。Around the photosensitive drum 6, a strip electrode 7, a charge erasing LED 8, an exposure image forming section 9, a developing device 10, a transfer electrode 1
1, a separation electrode 12, a separation claw 13, a cleaning device 14, and an afterimage erasing (pre-charging exposure) device 15 are sequentially arranged.

【００１６】この感光体ドラム６は、光像が結像する以
前に、直流高電圧が印加された帯電極７によって上記光
導電層が例えば正に一様に帯電されている。この状態の
光導電層が原稿Ｄの光像を受光すると、その光を受けた
部分の導電率が高くなってその部分の帯電電荷が金属円
筒に逃げ、暗い部分には明暗の程度に応じて正の電荷が
残るようになり、これによって光導電層の面に原稿の像
に対応した静電潜像が形成される。次いで、感光体ドラ
ム６上の静電潜像は、現像装置10の現像作用を受けてト
ナー画像として可視像化される。Before the optical image is formed on the photosensitive drum 6, the photoconductive layer is, for example, positively and uniformly charged by the band electrode 7 to which a high DC voltage is applied. When the photoconductive layer in this state receives the light image of the document D, the conductivity of the portion receiving the light becomes high, the charged electric charge of the portion escapes to the metal cylinder, and the dark portion depends on the degree of lightness and darkness. Positive charges are left to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of the original on the surface of the photoconductive layer. Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 6 is subjected to the developing action of the developing device 10 to be visualized as a toner image.

【００１７】可視のトナー画像を担持した感光体ドラム
６は転写部に達する。The photosensitive drum 6 carrying a visible toner image reaches the transfer portion.

【００１８】一方、給紙カセット20が収容された転写紙
Ｐは、第１給紙ローラ21、第２給紙ローラ22、ガイド板
を経て搬送され、第３給紙ローラ23およびストッパ24に
よって一旦停止されたのち、感光体ドラム６の回転に同
期して更に給送され感光体ドラム６の周面に達し、転写
部においてトナー画像が転写される。即ち、転写部に供
給された転写紙Ｐは、感光体ドラム６の表面に密着接触
させられ、転写電極11によりトナーと逆極性の放電を受
けてトナー画像が転写紙Ｐ上に転写される。On the other hand, the transfer sheet P in which the sheet feeding cassette 20 is accommodated is conveyed through the first sheet feeding roller 21, the second sheet feeding roller 22 and the guide plate, and is temporarily moved by the third sheet feeding roller 23 and the stopper 24. After being stopped, the toner image is further fed in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 6 and reaches the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 6, and the toner image is transferred at the transfer portion. That is, the transfer paper P supplied to the transfer portion is brought into close contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 6, and the transfer electrode 11 receives a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner, and the toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper P.

【００１９】トナー画像が転写された転写紙Ｐは、次に
分離電極12と分離爪13とにより感光体ドラム６の表面か
ら剥離され、更に搬送されて定着装置25に至り、ここで
加熱ローラにより加熱定着されて排紙ローラ26によって
排出され排紙トレイ27上に載置される。The transfer paper P on which the toner image has been transferred is then peeled off from the surface of the photosensitive drum 6 by the separating electrode 12 and the separating claw 13 and is further conveyed to the fixing device 25 where it is heated by a heating roller. It is heated and fixed, discharged by the paper discharge roller 26, and placed on the paper discharge tray 27.

【００２０】一方、転写紙Ｐを分離した感光体ドラム６
は、その表面に残留したトナーをクリーニング装置14に
よってクリーニングし、更に帯電前露光装置15によって
残留電荷を除去し、元の状態に復帰する。以後、上述し
た過程と同様の動作により次の画像形成を繰返す。On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 6 from which the transfer paper P is separated
Cleans the toner remaining on the surface with the cleaning device 14, removes the residual charge with the pre-charge exposure device 15, and returns to the original state. After that, the next image formation is repeated by the same operation as the above process.

【００２１】図２は前記複写機の画像形成プロセスユニ
ットの断面図である。FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the image forming process unit of the copying machine.

【００２２】前記現像装置10は、大別して現像部100
と、トナー補給部110とから構成されている。The developing device 10 is roughly classified into a developing section 100.
And a toner supply unit 110.

【００２３】現像部100のケーシング101の内部には、現
像スリーブと磁石とから成る現像ローラ102、複数枚の
撹拌羽根を有する主撹拌部材（第１の撹拌部材）103、
スパイラルスクリュー形状の補助撹拌部材（第２の撹拌
部材）104が回転可能に支持されている。また現像ロー
ラ102の上方には穂立規制板105が、補助撹拌部材104の
下方にはトナー濃度検知センサ106が設けてある。Inside the casing 101 of the developing section 100, a developing roller 102 composed of a developing sleeve and a magnet, a main stirring member (first stirring member) 103 having a plurality of stirring blades,
A spiral screw-shaped auxiliary stirring member (second stirring member) 104 is rotatably supported. Further, a bristling regulating plate 105 is provided above the developing roller 102, and a toner concentration detection sensor 106 is provided below the auxiliary stirring member 104.

【００２４】トナー補給部110のケーシング111の内部に
は、補給トナーを収容するトナーカートリッジ120を着
脱自在に装脱するカートリッジ収容室112と、ケーシン
グ111の底部に貯留したトナーを上方に搬出するラダー
ホイール113、ラダーチェーン114、トナー掻上げ部材11
5から成るトナー搬出手段と、トナー補給スクリュー116
およびトナー残量検知センサ117が設けられている。Inside the casing 111 of the toner replenishing section 110, a cartridge accommodating chamber 112 for detachably attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 120 for accommodating the replenishing toner, and a ladder for carrying out the toner accumulated at the bottom of the casing 111 upward. Wheel 113, ladder chain 114, toner scraping member 11
5 toner discharge means and toner supply screw 116
Further, a toner remaining amount detection sensor 117 is provided.

【００２５】現像にあたって現像ローラ102に印加する
バイアス用高圧電流ならびにトナー濃度検知センサ10
6、トナー残量検知センサ117の各検出電流等、現像装置
10が複写機本体との間で授受される電力は、電源部およ
び制御部より供給される。A high-voltage bias current applied to the developing roller 102 for development and a toner concentration detection sensor 10
6, developing device, such as each detection current of the toner remaining amount detection sensor 117
Electric power transmitted and received to and from the main body of the copying machine is supplied from a power supply unit and a control unit.

【００２６】前記の感光体ドラム６の静電潜像の形成さ
れた部分が現像部100の現像ローラ102の近接位置（現像
領域）に至ると、感光体ドラム６上の電荷保持部にトナ
ーが静電力によって吸着されトナー画像を形成する。When the portion of the photosensitive drum 6 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed reaches the proximity position (developing region) of the developing roller 102 of the developing portion 100, toner is stored in the charge holding portion on the photosensitive drum 6. It is attracted by electrostatic force to form a toner image.

【００２７】複写を繰返すことにより現像部100内のト
ナー量は減少しトナー濃度が低下すると、これをトナー
濃度検知センサ106が検出し、トナー補給部110内の前記
トナー搬出手段により補給トナーは上方に搬出され、ト
ナー補給スクリュー116の回転によってケーシング111の
開口部から落下し、下方にある現像部100の補助撹拌部
材104の回転により現像剤と撹拌・搬送され、更に主撹
拌部材103により撹拌・混合され、一部は現像ローラ102
に、他の一部は補助撹拌部材104上にそれぞれ補給され
る。When the amount of toner in the developing unit 100 decreases and the toner concentration decreases due to repeated copying, the toner concentration detection sensor 106 detects this, and the toner unloading means in the toner replenishing unit 110 raises the replenishment toner. The toner is replenished by the toner replenishing screw 116 and is dropped from the opening of the casing 111 by the rotation of the auxiliary stirring member 104 of the developing unit 100 located below to be stirred / conveyed with the developer and further stirred by the main stirring member 103. Mixed, part of the development roller 102
Then, the other part is replenished on the auxiliary stirring member 104.

【００２８】図３は本発明に係る現像部100の、図２に
おけるＡ−Ａ断面図、図４（Ａ）は仕切板の側面図、図
４（Ｂ）は補助撹拌部材の側面図である。3 is a sectional view of the developing section 100 according to the present invention taken along the line AA in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 (A) is a side view of the partition plate, and FIG. 4 (B) is a side view of the auxiliary stirring member. ..

【００２９】主撹拌部材103は、複数枚の楕円板状の撹
拌翼103Ａを回転軸103Ｂに固定したもので、軸端部に固
定した歯車Ｇ１は現像ローラ102からの駆動力により歯
車Ｇ０により現像ローラ102を逆方向に回転され、現像
部100内の現像剤を混合撹拌して現像ローラ102上に現像
剤を供給する。The main stirring member 103 comprises a plurality of elliptical plate-shaped stirring blades 103A fixed to a rotating shaft 103B. A gear G1 fixed to the end of the shaft is developed by a gear G0 by a driving force from a developing roller 102. The roller 102 is rotated in the opposite direction, and the developer in the developing unit 100 is mixed and stirred to supply the developer onto the developing roller 102.

【００３０】補助撹拌部材104は、軸上のほぼ中央部に
複数枚羽根形状のフィン部104Ａが形成され、その軸上
両側には、右スパイラルスクリュー部104Ｂと左スパイ
ラルスクリュー部104Ｃが形成されている。該補助撹拌
部材104は前記主撹拌部材103と中間歯車Ｃ２を介して歯
車Ｇ３により主撹拌部材103と同方向に回転される。ま
た、補助撹拌部材104の右スパイラルスクリュー部104Ｂ
は更に左方に延長されていて、クリーニング装置14によ
り回収されたトナーがリサイクルチューブ16を経て、ス
クリュー端部104Ｄに搬入される。The auxiliary stirring member 104 has a fin portion 104A having a plurality of blades formed substantially in the center of the shaft, and a right spiral screw portion 104B and a left spiral screw portion 104C are formed on both sides of the shaft. There is. The auxiliary stirring member 104 is rotated in the same direction as the main stirring member 103 by the gear G3 via the main stirring member 103 and the intermediate gear C2. Further, the right spiral screw portion 104B of the auxiliary stirring member 104
Is further extended to the left, and the toner collected by the cleaning device 14 is carried into the screw end portion 104D through the recycling tube 16.

【００３１】上記補助撹拌部材104のほぼ中央部のフィ
ン部104Ａの直下、すなわちケーシング（筐体）101のほ
ぼ中央部の低部に、トナー濃度検知センサ106が設置さ
れている。A toner concentration detecting sensor 106 is installed directly below the fin portion 104A in the substantially central portion of the auxiliary stirring member 104, that is, in the lower portion in the substantially central portion of the casing (housing) 101.

【００３２】上記補助撹拌部材104の上方には、トナー
補給スクリュー116が適時駆動回転され、トナーカート
リッジ120内の新規トナーを適量落下し、補助撹拌部材1
04上に供給する。Above the auxiliary agitating member 104, the toner replenishing screw 116 is driven and rotated at a proper time to drop an appropriate amount of new toner in the toner cartridge 120, and the auxiliary agitating member 1
Supply on 04.

【００３３】前記主撹拌部材103と補助撹拌部材104の中
間には、仕切板107が前記ケーシング101に固設され、こ
の仕切板107により、現像部100は図２に図示の左右の室
に分室化されている。A partition plate 107 is fixed to the casing 101 between the main stirring member 103 and the auxiliary stirring member 104, and the developing unit 100 is divided into the left and right chambers shown in FIG. 2 by the partition plate 107. Has been converted.

【００３４】上記仕切板107は図４（Ａ）に示すよう
に、ほぼ中央下部に門型の現像剤流出用開口部107Ａ
が、その両端部近傍２箇所に長方形貫通状の現像剤流入
用開口部107Ｂ，107Ｃが穿接されている。As shown in FIG. 4 (A), the partition plate 107 has a gate-shaped developer outlet opening 107A at the lower center thereof.
However, rectangular penetrating developer inflow openings 107B and 107C are formed at two locations near both ends thereof.

【００３５】次に、本発明の現像装置の作動について説
明する。Next, the operation of the developing device of the present invention will be described.

【００３６】図５は現像剤循環状態を説明する現像装置
の平面断面図、図６は現像装置の縦断面図、図７は現像
装置の要部斜視図である。これらの図において、矢印は
現像剤の移動方向を示す。FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of the developing device for explaining the circulating state of the developer, FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the developing device, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part of the developing device. In these figures, the arrow indicates the moving direction of the developer.

【００３７】前記の如き構成をなす現像装置において、
駆動源からの駆動力により、現像ローラ102が、さらに
歯車Ｇ０，Ｇ１を介して主撹拌部材103が、さらにまた
歯車Ｇ２，Ｇ３を介して補助撹拌部材104がそれぞれ同
時に回転する。In the developing device having the above structure,
Due to the driving force from the driving source, the developing roller 102, the main stirring member 103 via the gears G0 and G1, and the auxiliary stirring member 104 via the gears G2 and G3 simultaneously rotate.

【００３８】トナー補給部110のトナー補給スクリュー1
16から現像部100の右方の室に供給落下した新規トナー
は、補助撹拌部材104の互いに逆推進力を有するスクリ
ュー104Ｂ，104Ｃによってその両端部から矢示ａ方向と
ｂ方向に向って推進され、それぞれ中央部に寄せ集めら
れ、この間に後述の還流現像剤と混合して搬送され、中
央部に搬送されたトナーを含む還流現像剤はフィン部10
4Ａによって放射状に飛散され、仕切板107の中央部下方
の現像剤流出用開口部107Ａから、図６に示す現像部100
の左方の室に送り込まれる。Toner supply screw 1 of the toner supply unit 110
The new toner supplied from 16 to the right chamber of the developing unit 100 is propelled by the screws 104B and 104C of the auxiliary stirring member 104 having mutually opposite propulsion forces from both ends thereof in the directions a and b as shown by the arrows. , And the reflux developer containing the toner transported to the center is mixed with the reflux developer, which will be described later, and is fed to the fin portion 10.
4A and is scattered radially, and from the developer outlet opening 107A below the central portion of the partition plate 107, the developing unit 100 shown in FIG.
Is sent to the room to the left of.

【００３９】上記補助撹拌部材104の中央付近のフィン
部104Ａから仕切板107の現像剤流出用開口部107Ａへの
現像剤通過時に、フィン部104Ａの下方に配置されたト
ナー濃度検知センサ106は現像剤のトナー濃度を検知す
る。When the developer passes from the fin portion 104A near the center of the auxiliary stirring member 104 to the developer outflow opening 107A of the partition plate 107, the toner concentration detecting sensor 106 arranged below the fin portion 104A develops. The toner concentration of the agent is detected.

【００４０】上記開口部107Ａを通過した現像剤は、回
転する主撹拌部材103の撹拌翼103Ａによって現像領域か
ら還流された現像剤と混合・撹拌されて均一化されて現
像ローラ102に供給され穂立規制板105により現像剤層厚
が規制されて現像領域に搬送される。The developer which has passed through the opening 107A is mixed and stirred with the developer refluxed from the developing area by the stirring blade 103A of the rotating main stirring member 103 to be homogenized and supplied to the developing roller 102. The developer layer thickness is regulated by the upright regulation plate 105, and the developer layer is conveyed to the development area.

【００４１】一方、主撹拌部材103による撹拌中に、図
５に示すＣ方向に送られた現像剤は、仕切板107の現像
剤流入用開口部107Ｂを通過して再び補助撹拌部材104に
還流し、矢示ａ方向へ進む循環経路を形成する。On the other hand, during the stirring by the main stirring member 103, the developer sent in the direction C shown in FIG. 5 passes through the developer inflow opening 107B of the partition plate 107 and returns to the auxiliary stirring member 104 again. Then, a circulation path that proceeds in the direction of arrow a is formed.

【００４２】また、主撹拌部材103のｄ方向に送られた
現像剤は撹拌後に他方の現像剤流入用開口部107Ｃを通
過して再び補助撹拌部材104に還流し矢示ｂ方向へ進む
循環連絡を形成する。Further, the developer sent in the d direction of the main stirring member 103, after stirring, passes through the other developer inflow opening 107C, is returned to the auxiliary stirring member 104 again, and advances in the direction of arrow b. To form.

【００４３】これら二つの現像剤循環経路により、新規
トナーと現像部100内に貯留された現像剤とは均一に混
合される。また、繰り返し複写過程で現像部100内の現
像剤中のトナー濃度分布が不均一になっても、上記循環
経路により回転軸方向にも移動撹拌され均一に混合する
ことができ、それによって、複写画像にむらを生じると
いう不具合は解消することができる。By these two developer circulation paths, the new toner and the developer stored in the developing unit 100 are uniformly mixed. Further, even if the toner concentration distribution in the developer in the developing unit 100 becomes non-uniform during the repeated copying process, it can be moved and stirred in the rotation axis direction by the circulation path to uniformly mix the toner. It is possible to solve the problem that the image becomes uneven.

【００４４】さらに、クリーニング装置14から回収され
たトナーはリサイクルチューブ16を経て回転する補助撹
拌部材104のスクリュー端部104Ｄに導入され、矢示ｃ方
向に搬送され、矢示ａ方向に搬送される現像剤と合流し
て中央付近のフィン部104Ａ、開口部107Ａを通過して、
前述のｃ→ａの左循環経路と、ｄ→ｂの右循環経路の二
つのループを形成して均一に撹拌されて現像ローラへ供
給される。Further, the toner collected from the cleaning device 14 is introduced through the recycle tube 16 into the screw end portion 104D of the rotating auxiliary stirring member 104, is conveyed in the direction of arrow c, and is conveyed in the direction of arrow a. It merges with the developer and passes through the fin 104A and opening 107A near the center,
The two loops of the above-described c → a left circulation path and d → b right circulation path are formed to be uniformly stirred and supplied to the developing roller.

【００４５】[0045]

【発明の効果】本発明の現像装置においては、現像剤と
新規補給トナーおよびリサイクルトナーの混合撹拌が、
短いパスの二つの循環経路によって迅速かつ均一に行わ
れるから、現像剤の撹拌効率に優れ、現像装置ケーシン
グ内の現像剤中のトナー濃度分布が均一に保持できるか
ら複写画像の画質向上に有効である。また，上記二つの
循環経路の合流する現像剤流出用開口部および補助撹拌
部材の回転フィン部近傍にトナー濃度検知センサを設け
ることにより、トナー濃度精度の精度および応容性が著
しく向上する。In the developing device of the present invention, the mixing and stirring of the developer, the new replenishment toner and the recycled toner,
It is carried out quickly and uniformly by the two circulation paths of short path, so that the stirring efficiency of the developer is excellent and the toner concentration distribution in the developer in the developing device casing can be kept uniform, which is effective for improving the image quality of the copied image. is there. Further, by providing the toner concentration detection sensor in the vicinity of the developer outflow opening where the two circulation paths merge and the rotary fin portion of the auxiliary stirring member, the accuracy and the adaptability of the toner concentration accuracy are significantly improved.

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

【図１】本発明に係る現像装置を備えた複写機の全体構
成図。FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a copying machine including a developing device according to the present invention.

【図２】上記複写機の画像形成プロセスユニットの断面
図。FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an image forming process unit of the copying machine.

【図３】本発明に係る現像部のＡ−Ａ断面図。FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the developing unit according to the present invention.

【図４】現像部装置の補助撹拌部材と仕切板の側面図。FIG. 4 is a side view of an auxiliary stirring member and a partition plate of the developing device.

【図５】現像剤循環状態を説明する現像装置の平面断面
図。FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of a developing device for explaining a developer circulating state.

【図６】現像剤循環状態を説明する現像装置の縦断面
図。FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a developing device illustrating a developer circulating state.

【図７】上記現像装置の要部斜視図。FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part of the developing device.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

６ 感光体ドラム ９ 露光結像部 10 現像装置 100 現像部 101 ケーシング（筐体） 102 現像ローラ 103 主撹拌部材（第１の撹拌部材） 103Ａ 撹拌翼 103Ｂ 回転軸 104 補助撹拌部材（第２の撹拌部材） 104Ａ フィン部 104Ｂ 右スパイラルスクリュー部 104Ｃ 左スパイラルスクリュー部 104Ｄ スクリュー端部 105 穂立規制板 106 トナー濃度検知センサ 107 仕切板 107Ａ 現像剤流出用開口部 107Ｂ，107Ｃ 現像剤流入用開口部 110 トナー補給部 116 トナー補給スクリュー 120 トナーカートリッジ ａ，ｂ，ｃ，ｄ，ｅ 現像剤搬送方向 6 Photosensitive Drum 9 Exposure Imaging Unit 10 Developing Device 100 Developing Unit 101 Casing (Case) 102 Developing Roller 103 Main Stirring Member (First Stirring Member) 103A Stirring Blade 103B Rotating Shaft 104 Auxiliary Stirring Member (Second Stirring Member) Member) 104A Fin portion 104B Right spiral screw portion 104C Left spiral screw portion 104D Screw end portion 105 Booting regulation plate 106 Toner concentration detection sensor 107 Partition plate 107A Developer outflow opening 107B, 107C Developer inflow opening 110 Toner Replenishing section 116 Toner replenishing screw 120 Toner cartridge a, b, c, d, e Developer conveying direction

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 木村 丈信 東京都八王子市石川町2970番地コニカ株式 会社内 (72)発明者 宮坂 裕 東京都八王子市石川町2970番地コニカ株式 会社内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takenobu Kimura, Konica stock company, 2970 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo (72) Inventor, Yutaka Miyasaka 2970, Ishikawa-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo

Claims (2)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 静電潜像を形成する像担持体に対向配置
され現像剤層を形成する現像剤担持体と、現像剤を撹拌
して前記現像剤担持体に供給する第１の撹拌部材と、該
第１の撹拌部材から還流された現像剤と補給トナーを混
合撹拌して第１の撹拌部材に供給する第２の撹拌部材
と、前記現像剤担持体と第１の撹拌部材と第２の撹拌部
材の各回転軸を平行配置して支持する現像装置筐体とか
ら構成された現像装置であって、前記第１の撹拌部材と
第２の撹拌部材との間に仕切板を固設することにより前
記現像装置筐体内を分室化し、該仕切板の少なくとも１
箇所に第２の撹拌部材から第１の撹拌部材へ現像剤を流
出させる流出開口部を、該仕切板の両端部に現像剤を第
２の撹拌部材に還流させる流入開口部を設けるととも
に、前記第２の撹拌部材を現像搬送方向の異なる正方向
スパイラルスクリュー部と逆方向スパイラルスクリュー
部とを有する回転体により形成し、前記第２撹拌部材の
現像剤搬送と、仕切板の現像剤流出開口部と流入開口部
とにより、複数の現像剤循環経路を形成したことを特徴
とする現像装置。1. A developer carrying member which is arranged to face an image carrying member which forms an electrostatic latent image and forms a developer layer, and a first stirring member which stirs the developer and supplies the developer to the developer carrying member. A second stirring member that mixes and stirs the developer and replenishment toner that have flowed back from the first stirring member, supplies the developer to the first stirring member, the developer carrying member, the first stirring member, and the first stirring member. In the developing device, a developing device housing configured to support the rotating shafts of the second stirring member by arranging them in parallel is provided, and a partition plate is fixed between the first stirring member and the second stirring member. The developing device housing is divided into chambers by installing at least one of the partition plates.
An outlet opening for letting out the developer from the second stirring member to the first stirring member is provided at a position, and an inlet for letting the developer flow back to the second stirring member is provided at both ends of the partition plate. The second stirring member is formed by a rotating body having a forward spiral screw portion and a reverse spiral screw portion having different developing and conveying directions, and the developer conveying of the second stirring member and the developer outflow opening of the partition plate. A developing device, wherein a plurality of developer circulation paths are formed by the inflow opening and the inflow opening. 【請求項２】 前記第２の撹拌部材の一端部に、クリー
ニング装置により像担持体上から除去された残留トナー
を回収して投入し、前記複数の現像剤循環経路に合流さ
せることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の現像装置。2. The residual toner removed from the image bearing member by a cleaning device is collected and thrown into one end of the second agitating member, and merged into the plurality of developer circulation paths. The developing device according to claim 1.