JPH07152243A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH07152243A JPH07152243A JP30015293A JP30015293A JPH07152243A JP H07152243 A JPH07152243 A JP H07152243A JP 30015293 A JP30015293 A JP 30015293A JP 30015293 A JP30015293 A JP 30015293A JP H07152243 A JPH07152243 A JP H07152243A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- regulating member
- layer thickness
- thickness regulating
- toner layer
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、電子写真装置や静電記
録装置において静電潜像を可視像化する現像装置に係
り、さらに詳しくはトナー保持体上にトナー層を形成
し、そのトナー層によって現像を行なう現像装置に関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device for converting an electrostatic latent image into a visible image in an electrophotographic device or an electrostatic recording device, and more specifically, a toner layer is formed on a toner holding member, The present invention relates to a developing device that develops with a toner layer.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】例えば、電子写真装置は、図６に示すよ
うに表面に感光層を形成した感光体ドラム等の潜像保持
体１を設け、この潜像保持体１の表面を帯電器２で一様
に帯電した後露光手段３で記録情報に基づいて露光し、
潜像保持体１の表面に静電潜像を形成する。そしてこの
静電潜像に対して現像装置４からトナーを付着させてト
ナー像として可視像化し、このトナー像を転写装置５に
より転写紙（図示せず）に転写して画像形成を行なうよ
うになっている。2. Description of the Related Art For example, an electrophotographic apparatus is provided with a latent image carrier 1 such as a photosensitive drum having a photosensitive layer formed on the surface thereof as shown in FIG. 6, and the surface of the latent image carrier 1 is charged by a charger 2. And then uniformly exposed to light by the exposure means 3 based on the recorded information,
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the latent image holder 1. Then, toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image from the developing device 4 to make it visible as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to a transfer paper (not shown) by the transfer device 5 to form an image. It has become.
【０００３】現像装置４は、潜像保持体１に接触してロ
ーラ式のトナー保持体６を設けるとともにこのトナー保
持体６に接触してトナー供給ローラ７を設け、このトナ
ー供給ローラ７をトナー８を収容したトナー容器９の底
部に配置している。トナー容器９の底部にはまた容器内
のトナー８を攪拌する攪拌子１０を配置している。The developing device 4 is provided with a roller type toner holding body 6 in contact with the latent image holding body 1 and a toner supply roller 7 in contact with the toner holding body 6, and the toner supply roller 7 is provided with toner. It is arranged at the bottom of the toner container 9 accommodating the toner. At the bottom of the toner container 9, an agitator 10 for agitating the toner 8 in the container is also arranged.
【０００４】そしてトナー保持体６の上方にこのトナー
保持体６の表面に当接したトナー層厚規制部材１１を配
置し、このトナー層厚規制部材１１の上端を支持体１２
で支持し、その支持体１２をスプリング１３によって支
持し、トナー層厚規制部材１１がトナー保持体６の表面
に所望の押圧力で当接するようにしている。なお、トナ
ー層厚規制部材１１、支持体１２及びスプリング１３は
トナー容器９の前面に沿って配置している。A toner layer thickness regulating member 11 which is in contact with the surface of the toner retaining body 6 is arranged above the toner retaining body 6, and the upper end of the toner layer thickness regulating member 11 is supported by the support body 12.
The support 12 is supported by a spring 13, and the toner layer thickness regulating member 11 is brought into contact with the surface of the toner holder 6 with a desired pressing force. The toner layer thickness regulating member 11, the support 12 and the spring 13 are arranged along the front surface of the toner container 9.
【０００５】トナー保持体６及びトナー供給ローラ７に
は直流電源１４により所要の電圧が印加するようになっ
ている。A required voltage is applied to the toner holder 6 and the toner supply roller 7 by a DC power supply 14.
【０００６】このような装置に使用する現像装置４にお
いてトナー層厚規制部材１１は潜像保持体１に供給する
トナーの層厚を規制するため画質の良否を決定する重要
なポイントの１つとなる。In the developing device 4 used in such an apparatus, the toner layer thickness regulating member 11 regulates the layer thickness of the toner supplied to the latent image holding member 1 and is one of the important points for determining the quality of the image quality. .
【０００７】従来、トナー層厚規制部材としては、その
腹部をトナー保持体の表面に当接させるものやその先端
部をトナー保持体の表面に当接させるものが知られてい
る。腹部をトナー保持体の表面に当接させるものとして
は、例えば特公昭６３−１６７３６号公報、特開昭６０
−７３６４９号公報あるいは特開昭６１−１３８９６７
号公報の開示されているように、弾性体からなる板状規
制部材の腹の面をトナー保持体に押圧することによって
略均一な厚さのトナー層を形成すると同時にトナー粒子
を確実に摩擦帯電して所望の可視像を得ることを可能に
している。Conventionally, as the toner layer thickness regulating member, a member whose abdomen is in contact with the surface of the toner holder and a member whose tip is in contact with the surface of the toner holder are known. The abdomen is brought into contact with the surface of the toner holder, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-16736 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60.
-73649 or JP-A-61-138967
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. JP-A-2003-264, by pressing the antinode surface of a plate-shaped regulating member made of an elastic body against a toner holding member, a toner layer having a substantially uniform thickness is formed and at the same time, toner particles are surely triboelectrically charged. It is possible to obtain a desired visible image.
【０００８】また、先端部をトナー保持体の表面に当接
させるものとしては、特公昭５１−３６０７０号公報に
開示されているように円柱面状に加工された先端をトナ
ー保持体の表面に押圧させるもの、特開昭５３−２３６
３８号公報に開示されているように鋭利な先端をトナー
保持体の表面に押圧させるもの、あるいは特開昭６２−
９５５５９号公報に開示されているように平面状に加工
された先端をトナー保持体の表面に押圧させるものがあ
る。In order to bring the tip portion into contact with the surface of the toner holder, the tip processed into a cylindrical surface is formed on the surface of the toner holder as disclosed in JP-B-51-36070. What is pressed, JP-A-53-236
No. 38, which presses a sharp tip against the surface of a toner holder, or JP-A-62-
As disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 95559, there is one in which a tip processed into a planar shape is pressed against the surface of the toner holding member.
【０００９】これらの先端部をトナー保持体の表面に当
接させるものは、比較的低い押圧力で所望のトナー層を
形成できるため、上述した腹部を当接させるものに比べ
て、トナー保持体や規制部材にトナーが固着するのを防
止できるという効果がある。The one in which these tip portions are brought into contact with the surface of the toner holding member can form a desired toner layer with a comparatively low pressing force, and therefore, the one in which the abdominal portion is brought into contact with the toner holding member as described above. There is an effect that the toner can be prevented from sticking to the regulating member.
【００１０】しかしながら、鋭利な先端を押圧するもの
では、トナー保持体と規制部材との接触面積が極めて小
さく圧力が集中するため、規制部材全体への圧力設定を
厳密に管理しなければならない面倒があり、また先端部
の僅かな加工精度不良がトナー層の不均一を招くことや
トナー層の厚さが過度に薄くなり易いという問題があ
る。However, in the case of pressing the sharp tip, the contact area between the toner holder and the regulating member is extremely small and the pressure is concentrated, so that the pressure setting for the entire regulating member must be strictly controlled. In addition, there is a problem that a slight processing accuracy at the tip portion causes non-uniformity of the toner layer and that the thickness of the toner layer tends to be excessively thin.
【００１１】また、平面状に加工された先端を押圧させ
るものでは、規制部材の取付け状態の僅かな変動により
平面端部のエッジがトナー保持体に当接し、このような
状態になると鋭利な先端を押圧するもの同様の問題が発
生する。Further, in the case of pressing the flatly processed tip, the edge of the flat end abuts the toner holder due to a slight change in the mounting state of the regulating member, and in such a state, the sharp tip is sharpened. The same problem occurs when pressing.
【００１２】また、円柱面状に加工された先端を押圧さ
せるものでは、エッジが存在しないため規制部材の取付
け状態が多少変動してもエッジが当接した場合のような
問題はなく、組立てが容易にできるとともに比較的低い
圧力でトナー層の良好な形成とトナー粒子の確実な帯電
ができるという効果がある。Further, in the case of pressing the tip processed into a cylindrical surface shape, since there is no edge, there is no problem such as when the edge abuts even if the mounting state of the regulating member fluctuates to some extent. There is an effect that the toner layer can be easily formed and the toner layer can be well formed and the toner particles can be reliably charged with a relatively low pressure.
【００１３】しかし、特公昭５１−３６０７０号公報の
ものでは、規制部材に長手方向の反りやうねりが生じや
すく、このような状態が発生するとトナー層厚が不均一
になるという問題がある。However, in the case of Japanese Patent Publication No. 51-36070, there is a problem that the regulating member is apt to warp or swell in the longitudinal direction, and when such a state occurs, the toner layer thickness becomes nonuniform.
【００１４】このようなことから、特開平３−１１４０
８６号公報のものでは、トナー層厚規制部材の先端部を
曲面と平面との連続面にて形成し、そして平面部をトナ
ー保持体に押圧する構成にしている。From the above, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-1140
According to the publication No. 86, the tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member is formed as a continuous surface of a curved surface and a flat surface, and the flat surface portion is pressed against the toner holding member.
【００１５】また、トナー層厚規制部材として板状のも
のを使用した場合、端部を押圧するときの支持との関係
で規制部材にたわみが生じ形成するトナー層が不均一に
なってしまうという問題がある。Further, when a plate-like member is used as the toner layer thickness regulating member, the regulating member is bent in relation to the support when the end portion is pressed, and the toner layer formed becomes uneven. There's a problem.
【００１６】すなわち、図７に示すように、トナー保持
体２１に対して両端を支持部材２２ａ，２２ｂによって
支持した板状のトナー層厚規制部材２３の先端部を接触
させて設け、かつそのトナー層厚規制部材２３をスプリ
ング（図示せず）で支持するとともに支持部材２２ａ，
２２ｂによってトナー保持体２１に対して上下動自在に
設けた場合、トナー保持体２１が図中矢印で示す方向に
回転すると、トナー保持体２１とトナー層厚規制部材２
３との接触摩擦によりトナー層厚規制部材２３が図中点
線に示すようにたわみ、その結果トナー保持体２１に対
するトナー層厚規制部材２３の接触圧が不均一となって
トナー層が不均一になってしまう。That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the tip end of a plate-shaped toner layer thickness regulating member 23 whose both ends are supported by supporting members 22a and 22b is provided in contact with the toner holding body 21, and the toner thereof is provided. The layer thickness regulating member 23 is supported by a spring (not shown) and the supporting members 22a,
When the toner holder 21 is provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the toner holder 21, when the toner holder 21 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow in the figure, the toner holder 21 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 2
Due to the contact friction with the toner layer 3, the toner layer thickness regulating member 23 bends as shown by the dotted line in the figure, and as a result, the contact pressure of the toner layer thickness regulating member 23 with respect to the toner holding body 21 becomes non-uniform and the toner layer becomes non-uniform. turn into.
【００１７】また、図９に示すようにトナー保持体２４
に対してトナー層厚規制部材２５の先端部を接触させ、
そのトナー層厚規制部材２５をスプリング２６で支持し
ている場合に、トナー層厚規制部材２５のトナー保持体
２４に対する荷重圧をＰ、トナー保持体２４の回転によ
りトナー層厚規制部材２５とトナー保持体２４との間に
作用する摩擦力をＮとすると、Ｎ＞Ｐになるとトナー層
厚規制部材２５が図中点線で示すようにたわみ、その結
果トナー保持体２４に対するトナー層厚規制部材２５の
接触圧が不均一となってトナー層が不均一になってしま
う。この現象は特にトナー保持体２４が回転を開始する
時に多く発生する。Further, as shown in FIG.
The tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member 25 is brought into contact with
When the toner layer thickness regulating member 25 is supported by the spring 26, the load pressure of the toner layer thickness regulating member 25 on the toner holding body 24 is P, and the toner holding body 24 rotates to rotate the toner layer thickness regulating member 25 and the toner. Assuming that the frictional force acting with the holding body 24 is N, when N> P, the toner layer thickness regulating member 25 bends as shown by the dotted line in the figure, and as a result, the toner layer thickness regulating member 25 with respect to the toner holding body 24. The contact pressure becomes uneven and the toner layer becomes uneven. This phenomenon often occurs especially when the toner holder 24 starts to rotate.
【００１８】これらの問題に対して特開平３−１１４０
８６号公報のものは、図８に示すように、トナー層厚規
制部材２７に芯部材２８を取付けて解決している。すな
わち、トナー層厚規制部材２７の成型時にトナー層厚規
制部材２７の上端部から芯部材２８を挿入配置する、い
わゆるインサート成型することによりトナー層厚規制部
材２７の剛性を増加させて上述したたわみを防止するよ
うにしている。To solve these problems, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-1140
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 86, as shown in FIG. 8, a core member 28 is attached to the toner layer thickness regulating member 27 to solve the problem. That is, when the toner layer thickness regulating member 27 is molded, the core member 28 is inserted and arranged from the upper end portion of the toner layer thickness regulating member 27, that is, by so-called insert molding, the rigidity of the toner layer thickness regulating member 27 is increased and the above-described deflection is achieved. I try to prevent it.
【００１９】このように特開平３−１１４０８６号公報
のものは、トナー層厚規制部材の先端部の形状を曲面と
平面との連続面にて形成し、かつトナー層厚規制部材に
芯部材を取付けるなどして上述した各種の問題を解決し
ている。As described above, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-114086, the shape of the tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member is formed by the continuous surface of the curved surface and the flat surface, and the toner layer thickness regulating member is provided with the core member. The above-mentioned various problems are solved by mounting it.
【００２０】[0020]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかし、トナー層厚規
制部材２７に芯部材２８を取付けるのみではトナー保持
体とトナー層厚規制部材との摩擦力が大きい場合に図９
に示すようなたわみを防止するには不十分であることが
分かった。However, when only the core member 28 is attached to the toner layer thickness regulating member 27, when the frictional force between the toner holding member and the toner layer thickness regulating member is large, as shown in FIG.
It was found to be insufficient to prevent the deflection as shown in.
【００２１】ところで、図９に示すようなたわみに対し
て、トナー保持体２４に対するトナー層厚規制部材２５
に荷重圧Ｐによって摩擦力Ｎの方向とは逆の方向に分力
を発生させ、摩擦力Ｎを分力である程度相殺できればち
いさくできることが考えられる。これにはトナー保持体
２４の回転方向の上流側の位置においてトナー層厚規制
部材２５の先端部をトナー保持体２４に接触すればよ
い。By the way, against the deflection as shown in FIG. 9, the toner layer thickness regulating member 25 with respect to the toner holding member 24 is formed.
It is conceivable that a component force is generated in the direction opposite to the direction of the frictional force N by the load pressure P and the frictional force N can be offset to some extent by the component force, which makes it possible to reduce the force. To do this, the tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member 25 may be brought into contact with the toner holder 24 at a position upstream of the toner holder 24 in the rotational direction.
【００２２】しかし、単にこのように接触してもトナー
保持体とトナー層厚規制部材との摩擦力が大きくなって
図９に示すようなたわみを防止するには不十分であるこ
とが分かった。However, it has been found that even with such a contact, the frictional force between the toner holding member and the toner layer thickness regulating member becomes large and it is not sufficient to prevent the bending as shown in FIG. .
【００２３】そこで本発明は、トナー保持体の回転によ
り生じるトナー層厚規制部材との摩擦力によってトナー
層厚規制部材にたわみが生じるのを確実に防止でき、常
に均一なトナー層の形成ができて良好な現像ができる現
像装置を提供する。Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the toner layer thickness regulating member from being bent due to the frictional force with the toner layer thickness regulating member generated by the rotation of the toner holder, and to always form a uniform toner layer. Provided is a developing device capable of excellent development.
【００２４】[0024]
【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１対応の発明は、
静電潜像を保持する潜像保持体の表面に接触又は近接し
て配置し、一方向に回転してトナーをその潜像保持体に
供給するトナー保持体及びこのトナー保持体の表面に先
端部が当接し、そのトナー保持体の表面にトナー層を形
成するトナー層厚規制部材を備え、トナー保持体の表面
に形成したトナー層により潜像保持体の静電潜像を現像
する現像装置において、トナー層厚規制部材は、弾性材
からなり、トナー保持体に対する押圧荷重の分力がその
トナー保持体の回転上流側に作用するようにそのトナー
保持体に対して先端部を当接し、かつトナー保持体に対
する押圧方向及びそのトナー保持体との摩擦力が作用す
る方向に対してそれぞれ自由度を設けて配置したもので
ある。The invention according to claim 1 is
A toner holder that is placed in contact with or close to the surface of a latent image holder that holds an electrostatic latent image, rotates in one direction to supply toner to the latent image holder, and a tip on the surface of the toner holder. And a toner layer thickness regulating member for forming a toner layer on the surface of the toner holder, the developing device developing the electrostatic latent image on the latent image holder by the toner layer formed on the surface of the toner holder. In the toner layer thickness regulating member, the toner layer thickness regulating member is made of an elastic material, and the tip end portion is brought into contact with the toner holding body so that the component force of the pressing load on the toner holding body acts on the rotation upstream side of the toner holding body, In addition, the degree of freedom is provided in each of the pressing direction against the toner holding body and the direction in which the frictional force with the toner holding body acts.
【００２５】請求項２対応の発明は、請求項１対応の発
明において、さらにトナー層厚規制部材の先端部のトナ
ー保持体の表面と接触する部位を平面とし、かつその平
面の少なくともトナー保持体の回転上流側端部を曲面に
形成したものである。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect of the invention, a portion of the tip end portion of the toner layer thickness regulating member which comes into contact with the surface of the toner holding member is a flat surface, and at least the flat surface of the toner holding member. The upstream end of the rotation is formed into a curved surface.
【００２６】請求項３対応の発明は、請求項２対応の発
明において、さらにトナー層厚規制部材の先端部のトナ
ー保持体の表面と接触する部位の平面をそのトナー保持
体の回転上流側に向かって傾斜した平面としたものであ
る。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the second aspect of the invention, the plane of a portion of the tip end portion of the toner layer thickness regulating member that comes into contact with the surface of the toner holding member is located upstream of the rotation of the toner holding member. It is a plane that is inclined toward.
【００２７】[0027]
【作用】このような構成の本発明においては、トナー層
厚規制部材の先端部を、トナー保持体に対する押圧荷重
の分力がそのトナー保持体の回転上流側に作用するよう
にそのトナー保持体に対して当接しているので、トナー
保持体の回転により発生する摩擦力をある程度分力によ
り相殺できる。In the present invention having such a structure, the tip end portion of the toner layer thickness regulating member is arranged so that the component force of the pressing load on the toner holding member acts on the upstream side of the rotation of the toner holding member. Since they are in contact with each other, the frictional force generated by the rotation of the toner holder can be offset to some extent by the component force.
【００２８】しかもトナー保持体に対する押圧方向及び
そのトナー保持体との摩擦力が作用する方向に対してそ
れぞれ自由度を設けているので、トナー保持体との摩擦
力によりトナー層厚規制部材の先端部がたわもうとする
ときトナー層厚規制部材全体が摩擦力の作用する方向に
移動してたわみを防止する。Moreover, since the degree of freedom is provided in each of the pressing direction to the toner holding body and the direction in which the frictional force with the toner holding body acts, the tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member is caused by the frictional force with the toner holding body. When the portion tries to bend, the entire toner layer thickness regulating member moves in the direction in which the friction force acts to prevent the deflection.
【００２９】また、トナー層厚規制部材の先端部のトナ
ー保持体の表面と接触する部位を平面とし、その平面の
少なくともトナー保持体の回転上流側端部を曲面に形成
しているので、トナー保持体とトナー層厚規制部材の間
に入り切らないトナーはトナー層厚規制部材の曲面によ
りスムーズに戻される。Further, since the portion of the tip end portion of the toner layer thickness regulating member which comes into contact with the surface of the toner holding member is a flat surface, and at least the rotation upstream side end portion of the flat surface of the toner holding member is formed into a curved surface. The toner that cannot be completely filled between the holding body and the toner layer thickness regulating member is smoothly returned by the curved surface of the toner layer thickness regulating member.
【００３０】[0030]
【実施例】以下、本発明の一実施例を図面を参照して説
明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
【００３１】図１に示すように潜像保持体３１の表面に
現像装置３２のトナー保持体３３を接触して配置する。As shown in FIG. 1, the toner holding member 33 of the developing device 32 is placed in contact with the surface of the latent image holding member 31.
【００３２】現像装置の潜像現像方法としては、潜像保
持体３１の潜像面とトナー保持体３３の表面を非接触状
態とし、現像電界によってトナー粒子を飛翔させて現像
する方法や潜像保持体３１の潜像面とトナー保持体３３
の表面を接触させて転動もしくは摺動することによって
現像する方法がある。また、潜像保持体３１の潜像面と
トナー保持体３３の表面に直流電界あるいは交流磁界を
形成して現像する方法がある。本発明ではいずれの現像
方法にも適用可能であるが、ここでは接触方式を採用し
ている。As the latent image developing method of the developing device, the latent image surface of the latent image holding member 31 and the surface of the toner holding member 33 are brought into non-contact state, and toner particles are caused to fly by the developing electric field to develop the latent image. The latent image surface of the holder 31 and the toner holder 33
There is a method of developing by bringing the surfaces of the above into contact and rolling or sliding. Further, there is a method in which a DC electric field or an AC magnetic field is formed on the latent image surface of the latent image holding member 31 and the surface of the toner holding member 33 to develop. Although the present invention can be applied to any developing method, the contact method is adopted here.
【００３３】前記トナー保持体３３はローラ式のもの
で、弾性と導電性を有する非磁性材で構成している。す
なわち、金属シャフト３３ａの周囲に硬度３０度のＥＰ
ＤＭゴムローラを配置し、その表面に導電性ウレタン塗
料を塗布し、金属シャフト３３ａと塗膜表面の間の抵抗
値が１．５×１０6 Ω・ｍ2 未満になるように調整した
ものを使用している。The toner holder 33 is of a roller type and is made of a non-magnetic material having elasticity and conductivity. That is, an EP having a hardness of 30 degrees is provided around the metal shaft 33a.
A DM rubber roller is arranged, a conductive urethane coating is applied on the surface thereof, and the resistance value between the metal shaft 33a and the surface of the coating film is adjusted to be less than 1.5 × 10 6 Ω · m 2. is doing.
【００３４】なお、導電性ゴム層としては、例えばウレ
タンゴム、シリコンゴム、エチレンプロピレンゴム、Ｎ
ＢＲ、クロロプレンゴム、ブチルゴムなどのゴムの中に
導電性カーボン粒子や金属粒子、金属ファイバーなどを
分散することによって１．５×１０6 Ω・ｍ2 未満の抵
抗値とした導電性ゴム層を配置し、さらにその導電性ゴ
ム層の表面にシリコン樹脂、ウレタン樹脂、フッ素樹脂
などを被覆したものや１．５×１０6 Ω・ｍ2 未満の半
導電性の導電層をゴムローラの表面に設けたものであっ
てもよい。As the conductive rubber layer, for example, urethane rubber, silicon rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, N
Disposing conductive carbon particles, metal particles, metal fibers, etc. in rubber such as BR, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, etc. to arrange a conductive rubber layer having a resistance value of less than 1.5 × 10 6 Ω · m 2. The surface of the conductive rubber layer is coated with silicon resin, urethane resin, fluororesin, or a semiconductive conductive layer of less than 1.5 × 10 6 Ω · m 2 is provided on the surface of the rubber roller. It may be one.
【００３５】また、トナー保持体としては、アルミニウ
ムやステンレスなどの金属やフェノール樹脂、アクリル
樹脂、ウレタン樹脂、フッ素樹脂、ポリアミド樹脂、シ
リコン樹脂、メラミン樹脂、ポスチレン樹脂、ポリエス
テル樹脂、エポキシ樹脂などの硬質もしくは軟質の樹
脂、あるいはこれらの複合体などからなるものを使用し
てもよい。As the toner holder, a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, or a hard resin such as phenol resin, acrylic resin, urethane resin, fluororesin, polyamide resin, silicone resin, melamine resin, polystyrene resin, polyester resin, or epoxy resin is used. Alternatively, a soft resin or a composite of these may be used.
【００３６】前記現像装置３２は、前記トナー保持体３
３に接触してトナー供給ローラ３４を設け、このトナー
供給ローラ３４をトナー３５を収容したトナー容器３６
の底部に配置している。トナー容器３６の底部にはまた
容器内のトナー３５を攪拌する攪拌子３７を配置してい
る。The developing device 32 includes the toner holder 3
3 is provided with a toner supply roller 34, and the toner supply roller 34 is provided with a toner container 36 containing a toner 35.
It is located at the bottom of. An agitator 37 for agitating the toner 35 in the container is also arranged at the bottom of the toner container 36.
【００３７】そして前記トナー保持体３３の上方にこの
トナー保持体３３の表面に当接したトナー層厚規制部材
３８を配置し、このトナー層厚規制部材３８の上端を支
持体３９で支持し、その支持体３９をスプリング４０に
よって支持し、トナー層厚規制部材３８がトナー保持体
３３の表面に所望の押圧力で当接するようにしている。
前記トナー層厚規制部材３３、支持体３９及びスプリン
グ４０はトナー容器３６の前面に沿って配置している。A toner layer thickness regulating member 38 which is in contact with the surface of the toner retaining body 33 is arranged above the toner retaining body 33, and an upper end of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is supported by a support body 39, The support 39 is supported by a spring 40 so that the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 contacts the surface of the toner holder 33 with a desired pressing force.
The toner layer thickness regulating member 33, the support 39 and the spring 40 are arranged along the front surface of the toner container 36.
【００３８】前記トナー層厚規制部材３３は、図２及び
図３に示すように、先端部を平面と曲面との連続面に加
工したゴム硬度３０度〜１００度の板状高分子体で構成
している。そして前記トナー層厚規制部材３８を前記ト
ナー保持体３３に対して、押圧荷重の分力Ｐ1 がそのト
ナー保持体３３の回転上流側に作用するように、その先
端部をトナー保持体３３の回転上流側に位置して当接さ
せている。また、先端部の曲面をトナー保持体３３の回
転上流側、すなわちトナー容器３６側に向けている。As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the toner layer thickness regulating member 33 is made of a plate-like polymer body having a rubber hardness of 30 to 100 degrees, the tip of which is processed into a continuous surface of a flat surface and a curved surface. is doing. The tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is rotated so that the component force P1 of the pressing load acts on the toner holding body 33 on the upstream side of the rotation of the toner holding body 33 with respect to the toner holding body 33. It is located on the upstream side and abuts. Further, the curved surface of the tip portion is directed to the upstream side of the rotation of the toner holder 33, that is, the toner container 36 side.
【００３９】なお、前記トナー層厚規制部材３８の先端
部の形状としては円柱状の面であってもよい。The shape of the tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 may be a cylindrical surface.
【００４０】前記支持体３９の他端側をＬ型に鋭角に曲
げている。そして折り曲げた他端側上面に支持棒４１を
立設し、その支持棒４１に前記スプリング４０を巻装し
ている。前記支持棒４１の先端部は現像装置３２の本体
フレーム４２に開けた長孔４２ａに挿通し、前記スプリ
ング４０の端はその長孔４２ａの下面で係止されてい
る。前記長孔４２ａは、その長径をトナー保持体３３の
回転方向と一致させている。The other end of the support 39 is bent into an L shape at an acute angle. A support rod 41 is erected on the upper surface of the bent other end, and the spring 40 is wound around the support rod 41. The tip of the support rod 41 is inserted into an elongated hole 42a formed in the main body frame 42 of the developing device 32, and the end of the spring 40 is locked by the lower surface of the elongated hole 42a. The long hole 42a has its long diameter aligned with the rotation direction of the toner holder 33.
【００４１】これによりトナー層厚規制部材３８をトナ
ー保持体３３への押圧方向及びトナー保持体３３との摩
擦力が作用する方向に自由度を持たせている。As a result, the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is given a degree of freedom in the pressing direction against the toner holding body 33 and the direction in which the frictional force with the toner holding body 33 acts.
【００４２】前記トナー層厚規制部材３８により均一な
トナー層を得るためにはその規制部材の柔軟性が極めて
重要となる。ＪＩＳ６３０１に規定されているＡ型ゴム
硬度計による測定値で１００度を越える材料を用いる
と、低い圧力で均一なトナー層を形成することが困難と
なる。すなわち、トナー保持体３３とトナー層厚規制部
材３８の加工精度には実用上限界があり、この不可避的
な精度不良を吸収するためには、トナー層厚規制部材３
８を強い圧力でトナー保持体３３に押圧しなければなら
ず、このようなことからゴム硬度は１００度以下とな
る。In order to obtain a uniform toner layer by the toner layer thickness regulating member 38, the flexibility of the regulating member is extremely important. If a material having a value measured by an A-type rubber hardness meter specified in JIS6301 that exceeds 100 degrees is used, it becomes difficult to form a uniform toner layer at a low pressure. That is, there is a practical limit to the processing accuracy of the toner holder 33 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 38, and in order to absorb this unavoidable inaccuracy, the toner layer thickness regulating member 3 is used.
8 must be pressed against the toner holding member 33 with a strong pressure, and therefore the rubber hardness becomes 100 degrees or less.
【００４３】また、前記トナー層厚規制部材３８が３０
度未満の場合はトナー保持体３３との接触やトナー集合
体（かたまり）の圧力などによって規制部材３８の先端
部が過度に変形する。このようなことからゴム硬度は３
０度以上となる。Further, the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is 30
If it is less than 100 degrees, the tip end portion of the regulating member 38 is excessively deformed due to contact with the toner holding body 33, pressure of the toner aggregate (mass) and the like. Therefore, the rubber hardness is 3
It becomes 0 degrees or more.
【００４４】なお、ゴム硬度は、好ましくは５０度〜８
５度の範囲の材料で、このような材料を使用すると適度
な変形作用により均一な厚さのトナー層を維持できる。The rubber hardness is preferably 50 to 8 degrees.
With materials in the range of 5 degrees, the use of such materials can maintain a uniform thickness toner layer due to moderate deformation.
【００４５】また、前記トナー層厚規制部材３８の板厚
は０．５mm〜１５mmの範囲がよく、また支持体３９の端
から規制部材３８の自由端までの長さは板厚より長くす
ることが好ましい。The plate thickness of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 15 mm, and the length from the end of the support 39 to the free end of the regulating member 38 is longer than the plate thickness. Is preferred.
【００４６】板厚が０．５mm未満のときは成型により精
度よく製造することが困難であり、１５mmを越えると規
制部材としての自由長を長く設定しなければならず、装
置が大型化してしまうなどの問題点がある。When the plate thickness is less than 0.5 mm, it is difficult to manufacture it accurately by molding, and when it exceeds 15 mm, the free length as the restricting member must be set long and the apparatus becomes large. There are problems such as.
【００４７】また、前記トナー層厚規制部材３８の先端
面の表面粗さはトナー層の均一性に大きな影響を与え
る。The surface roughness of the tip end surface of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 has a great influence on the uniformity of the toner layer.
【００４８】ＪＩＳ規格のＢ０６０１に規定されている
表面粗さの表示のうち、十点平均粗さＲｚ及び最大高さ
Ｒmax を用いて表面粗さと画像の均一性の相関を調べた
結果、規制部材端部の平面もしくは端面のうち少なくと
もトナー保持体３３に当接する部分の表面粗さが１０μ
ｍＲｚ以下で、かつ３０μｍＲmax 以下、好ましくは５
μｍＲｚ以下で、かつ１０μｍＲmax 以下のときに実質
的に厚さむらの無いトナー層が得られ、均一濃度の良好
な画像が得られることが分かった。１０μｍＲｚを越え
るとき、もしくは３０μｍＲmax を越えるときにはトナ
ー層に顕著な厚さむらが発生し、画像に筋状の濃度むら
が生じる傾向が認められた。Among the surface roughness indications defined in JIS B0601, the ten-point average roughness Rz and the maximum height Rmax are used to examine the correlation between the surface roughness and the image uniformity. The surface roughness of at least the portion of the flat surface or the end surface that is in contact with the toner holder 33 is 10 μm.
mRz or less and 30 μmRmax or less, preferably 5
It was found that a toner layer having substantially no thickness unevenness was obtained and an image having good uniform density was obtained when the thickness was not more than μmRz and not more than 10 μmRmax. When it exceeds 10 μmRz, or when it exceeds 30 μmRmax, a noticeable unevenness in the thickness of the toner layer occurs, and it is recognized that the image tends to have streak-like unevenness in density.
【００４９】前記トナー層厚規制部材３８にはトナー層
厚を規制する以外に、トナー３５を所定の極性に摩擦帯
電する機能が要求される。従って、トナー層厚規制部材
３８を構成する材料としては、周知の摩擦帯電序例にお
いて、トナーの帯電極性とは逆の極性に帯電し易い材料
を選択する必要がある。The toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is required to have a function of frictionally charging the toner 35 to a predetermined polarity in addition to regulating the toner layer thickness. Therefore, as a material forming the toner layer thickness regulating member 38, it is necessary to select a material which is easily charged to a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner in the known triboelectric charging method.
【００５０】例えばトナーを負に帯電する場合には、シ
リコンゴム、ホルマリン樹脂、ＰＭＭＡ、ポリアミド、
メラミン樹脂、ポリウレタンゴム、ポリウレタンスポン
ジなどが好適であり、またトナーを正に帯電する場合に
は、フッ素樹脂、ポリエチレン、アクリロニトリル、天
然ゴム、エポキシ樹脂、ニトリルゴムなどが好適であ
る。但し、これらの材料に染料などを混入して摩擦帯電
性を制御すれば、逆の帯電特性を付与することも可能と
なる。For example, when the toner is negatively charged, silicone rubber, formalin resin, PMMA, polyamide,
Melamine resin, polyurethane rubber, polyurethane sponge and the like are preferable, and when the toner is positively charged, fluorine resin, polyethylene, acrylonitrile, natural rubber, epoxy resin, nitrile rubber and the like are preferable. However, by mixing a dye or the like into these materials to control the triboelectrification property, it is possible to impart opposite charging characteristics.
【００５１】前記トナー層厚規制部材３８に要求される
もう一つの特性として、長期間の使用においてもトナー
３５が規制部材に固着しないことである。規制部材３８
へのトナー固着は形成されるトナー層の不均一を招き、
またトナー帯電も不十分となる。Another characteristic required of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is that the toner 35 does not stick to the regulating member even after long-term use. Regulation member 38
Toner adhesion to the toner causes unevenness of the formed toner layer,
In addition, toner charging is insufficient.
【００５２】このような点から考えるとトナー層厚規制
部材３８を構成する材料としては上述した材料のうち、
シリコンゴムもしくはウレタンゴムを主成分とするもの
が最も適している。特にシリコンゴムはその離型性のゆ
えに極めて長期間（例えばプリンタでは約１０万サイク
ルの印字行程）の使用においてもトナーの固着は全く発
生しなかった。但し、これらのゴムには移行性の可塑
剤、老化防止剤などの添加物が含まれていないか、もし
くは混入されていても極めて微量であることが好まし
い。すなわち、ブリームもしくはブルームと呼ばれる含
有物の析出現象によってトナー材料やトナー保持体３
３、さらには潜像保持体３１などを汚染しない材料を選
択することが極めて重要となる。From this point of view, among the above-mentioned materials as the material for forming the toner layer thickness regulating member 38,
The one that has silicone rubber or urethane rubber as the main component is most suitable. In particular, due to the releasability of silicone rubber, toner sticking did not occur at all even during use for an extremely long time (for example, a printing process of about 100,000 cycles in a printer). However, it is preferable that these rubbers do not contain additives such as migratory plasticizers and antioxidants, or that even if they are mixed, the amounts thereof are extremely small. That is, the toner material and the toner holding member 3 are caused by the precipitation phenomenon of inclusions called bream or bloom.
3. Furthermore, it is extremely important to select a material that does not contaminate the latent image carrier 31 and the like.
【００５３】なお、シリコンゴムは他のゴム材料に比べ
耐摩耗性の点で劣るため、フィラーなどを添加して改良
したものを使用することが望ましい。Since silicone rubber is inferior in abrasion resistance to other rubber materials, it is desirable to use a silicone rubber improved by adding a filler or the like.
【００５４】このようにトナー層厚規制部材３８を構成
する材料を適正に選択することにより、長期間にわたっ
て極めて均一な厚さのトナー層を容易に形成し得ること
になる。By properly selecting the material forming the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 as described above, it is possible to easily form a toner layer having an extremely uniform thickness over a long period of time.
【００５５】さらにトナー層を均一にするには、前記ト
ナー層厚規制部材３８の先端部をトナー保持体３３に押
圧するときの押圧の仕方と規制部材の支持の仕方が問題
となる。Further, in order to make the toner layer uniform, how to press the tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 against the toner holding member 33 and how to support the regulating member becomes a problem.
【００５６】これはトナー層厚規制部材３８が弾性体で
あるため、トナー保持体３３の回転により摩擦力が作用
してたわみが生じ、トナー保持体３３との圧力や接触が
不均一となってトナー層が不均一になるという問題であ
る。Since the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is an elastic body, the toner holding body 33 is rotated and a frictional force acts on the toner holding body 33 to cause bending, which makes the pressure and contact with the toner holding body 33 uneven. The problem is that the toner layer becomes non-uniform.
【００５７】このようなことから本実施例では、図２及
び図３に示すように、トナー層厚規制部材３８の成型時
にその規制部材の上端部から内部に支持体３９の一端を
挿入配設する、いわゆるインサート成型する。これは図
７に示すようなたわみの発生を防止するためである。For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is molded, one end of the support 39 is inserted from the upper end of the regulating member to the inside. Yes, so-called insert molding. This is to prevent the occurrence of bending as shown in FIG.
【００５８】前記支持体３９は、厚さが０．１mm〜３mm
の金属板を使用することが好ましく、また支持体３９の
一端から規制部材３８の先端までの長さ、すなわち規制
部材３８の自由長を１mm〜１０mmにすると規制部材３８
の弾性が生かされ、より均一なトナー層の形成が可能と
なる。The support 39 has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 3 mm.
It is preferable to use the metal plate of No. 3, and if the length from one end of the support 39 to the tip of the regulating member 38, that is, the free length of the regulating member 38 is 1 mm to 10 mm, the regulating member 38
By utilizing the elasticity of the toner, it becomes possible to form a more uniform toner layer.
【００５９】しかしトナー保持体３３が回転を開始する
ときにトナー保持体３３とトナー層厚規制部材３８との
静止摩擦力Ｎにより規制部材の先端が移動するという問
題がある。このとき作用する静止摩擦力Ｎはトナー保持
体３３が回転してからしばらくして発生する動摩擦力よ
りも大きい。However, there is a problem that when the toner holder 33 starts to rotate, the tip of the toner holder 33 moves due to the static frictional force N between the toner holder 33 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 38. The static frictional force N that acts at this time is larger than the dynamic frictional force that occurs a while after the toner holder 33 rotates.
【００６０】このためトナー層厚規制部材３８の先端部
が図９に示すようにたわみ、その結果トナー層厚規制部
材３８によるトナー保持体３３への押圧力が低下しトナ
ー保持体３３には帯電不十分で層厚の厚いトナー層が形
成される。このような状態でトナー保持体３３へのトナ
ー供給が行なわれると、トナー保持体３３の表面に付着
されずに落ちるトナー量が多く発生し、装置内を汚す原
因となる。例えば転写装置内に入って転写装置を汚す原
因となる。従って転写装置として例えば、スコロトロン
やコロトロンを使用した場合にトナーが放電用のワイヤ
を汚し、その結果放電不良を起こして転写効率を低下さ
せるという問題が発生する。また異常放電が発生してワ
イヤが断線するという問題も発生する。Therefore, the tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 bends as shown in FIG. 9, and as a result, the pressing force of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 on the toner holding body 33 decreases and the toner holding body 33 is charged. Insufficiently thick toner layer is formed. When the toner is supplied to the toner holder 33 in such a state, a large amount of toner is dropped without being adhered to the surface of the toner holder 33, which becomes a cause of soiling the inside of the apparatus. For example, it may enter the transfer device and stain the transfer device. Therefore, for example, when a scorotron or a corotron is used as the transfer device, the toner contaminates the discharge wire, and as a result, a discharge failure occurs and the transfer efficiency is reduced. There is also a problem that the wire is broken due to abnormal discharge.
【００６１】また、トナー保持体３３に供給するトナー
量が多くなり過ぎて転写後にトナー保持体３３に残留す
るトナー量が多くなり、例えば残留トナーをクリーニン
グブレードによって排トナーボックス内に収容させるも
のでは排トナーの量を増加させる原因となり、また残留
トナーを現像装置で回収するクリーナレスタイプのもの
では残留トナーを現像装置で十分に回収できず、その結
果印字画像にかぶりなどの現象が発生する原因となる。Further, the amount of toner supplied to the toner holder 33 becomes too large, and the amount of toner remaining on the toner holder 33 after transfer becomes large. For example, in the case where the residual toner is stored in the waste toner box by the cleaning blade. Causes an increase in the amount of discharged toner, and causes a phenomenon such as fogging in the printed image as a result of the cleanerless type that collects the residual toner in the developing device Becomes
【００６２】これを防止するために本実施例では、前記
トナー層厚規制部材３８を前記トナー保持体３３に対し
て、押圧荷重Ｐの分力Ｐ1 がそのトナー保持体３３の回
転上流側に作用するように、その先端部をトナー保持体
３３の回転上流側に位置して当接させている。すなわち
前記トナー層厚規制部材３８を前記トナー保持体３３に
対して斜めに当接させている。In order to prevent this, in this embodiment, the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 acts on the toner holder 33, and the component force P1 of the pressing load P acts on the upstream side of the rotation of the toner holder 33. As described above, the tip end portion thereof is located on the upstream side of the rotation of the toner holder 33 and is in contact therewith. That is, the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is obliquely brought into contact with the toner holding body 33.
【００６３】しかも前記長孔４２ａにより前記トナー層
厚規制部材３８を前記トナー保持体３３の回転方向にス
ライド自在、すなわち摩擦力が作用する方向に自由度を
持たせている。この場合、トナー層厚規制部材３８のス
ライド範囲は、規制部材３８の先端部がトナー保持体３
３の表面から離れることがなく、しかもトナー層を形成
するに十分な押圧力が作用する範囲となっている。具体
的にはスライド範囲としては０．０１〜０．２mm程度に
設定してある。Moreover, the long hole 42a allows the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 to be slidable in the rotation direction of the toner holding member 33, that is, to have a degree of freedom in the direction in which the frictional force acts. In this case, in the sliding range of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38, the tip end of the regulating member 38 is the toner holding member 3.
No. 3 is not separated from the surface, and a pressing force sufficient to form a toner layer is applied. Specifically, the slide range is set to about 0.01 to 0.2 mm.
【００６４】このようにすることによってトナー保持体
３３の回転開始時にトナー層厚規制部材３８との大きな
静止摩擦力のためトナー層厚規制部材３８の先端部がト
ナー保持体３３の回転方向にたわもうとするが、このと
きトナー層厚規制部材３８が図３に点線の矢印で示すよ
うにトナー保持体３３の回転方向にスライドして静止摩
擦力を逃がす作用を為す。従ってトナー層厚規制部材３
８の先端部がトナー保持体３３の回転開始時の静止摩擦
力によってたわむのを防止できる。By doing so, the tip end portion of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is moved in the rotating direction of the toner retaining body 33 due to a large static frictional force with the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 at the start of rotation of the toner retaining body 33. At this time, at this time, the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 slides in the direction of rotation of the toner holder 33 as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 3 to release the static friction force. Therefore, the toner layer thickness regulating member 3
It is possible to prevent the tip portion of 8 from being bent by the static frictional force when the toner holding body 33 starts rotating.
【００６５】そしてトナー保持体３３が回転しトナー層
厚規制部材３８との間の摩擦が静止摩擦から動摩擦に変
わると、摩擦力が弱くなってトナー層厚規制部材３８は
元の位置に戻るようになる。これはスプリング４０によ
る押圧力の一部がトナー層厚規制部材３８を戻す方向に
作用するためである。When the toner holder 33 rotates and the friction with the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 changes from static friction to dynamic friction, the frictional force weakens and the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 returns to its original position. become. This is because a part of the pressing force of the spring 40 acts in the direction of returning the toner layer thickness regulating member 38.
【００６６】また、トナー層厚規制部材３８の先端部の
曲面をトナー保持体３３の回転上流側、すなわちトナー
容器３６側に向けているので、図４に示すように、トナ
ー保持体３３とトナー層厚規制部材３８の間に入りきら
ないトナー３５は図中矢印で示すようにトナー層厚規制
部材３８の曲面部を介してスムーズにトナー容器３６側
に戻される。これによりトナー保持体３３とトナー層厚
規制部材３８の間にトナー３５が詰まることがなく、ト
ナーの流動性を高めることができる。Further, since the curved surface of the tip end portion of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is directed to the upstream side of the rotation of the toner holder 33, that is, the toner container 36 side, as shown in FIG. The toner 35 that does not enter the space between the layer thickness regulating members 38 is smoothly returned to the toner container 36 side via the curved surface portion of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 as shown by the arrow in the figure. As a result, the toner 35 is not clogged between the toner holder 33 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 38, and the fluidity of the toner can be improved.
【００６７】従って、トナー層厚規制部材３８によりト
ナー保持体３３に形成されるトナー層は適正な厚さに制
御され、しかもトナーは十分に摩擦帯電される。Therefore, the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 controls the toner layer formed on the toner holder 33 to an appropriate thickness, and the toner is sufficiently frictionally charged.
【００６８】このように本実施例のトナー層厚規制部材
３８を使用することによって、潜像保持体３１に供給さ
れるトナー層は長期にわたって常に均一で適正な厚さに
制御され、しかも十分に摩擦帯電トナーによって形成さ
れたものとなる。As described above, by using the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 of the present embodiment, the toner layer supplied to the latent image holding member 31 is always controlled to have a uniform and proper thickness for a long period of time, and moreover, sufficiently. It is formed of the triboelectrically charged toner.
【００６９】従って、潜像保持体３１に形成された静電
潜像は現像装置３２により良好に現像されることにな
り、プリンタに適用した場合にはかぶり等のない良好な
印字ができることになる。Therefore, the electrostatic latent image formed on the latent image carrier 31 is well developed by the developing device 32, and when applied to a printer, good printing without fogging can be performed. .
【００７０】なお、前記実施例ではトナー層厚規制部材
３８の先端部を平面と曲面との連続面とし、トナー層厚
規制部材３８を斜めにしてその平面部をトナー保持体３
３の表面に接触させるものについて述べたが必ずしもこ
れに限定するものではない。In the embodiment, the tip of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is a continuous surface of a flat surface and a curved surface, and the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 is slanted so that the flat surface portion is the toner holding member 3.
Although the one to be brought into contact with the surface of No. 3 has been described, it is not necessarily limited to this.
【００７１】例えば図５に示すように、トナー保持体３
３の表面と接触する部位の平面をそのトナー保持体３３
の回転上流側に向かって傾斜した平面としたトナー層厚
規制部材３８′を使用し、そのトナー層厚規制部材３
８′をトナー保持体３３の回転上流側にずれた位置に真
上から接触させ、トナー層厚規制部材３８′を支持する
支持体３９′も略直角に折曲げたＬ型とし、これをスプ
リング４０によって情報から押圧する構成のものを使用
してもよい。For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the toner holder 3
The surface of the toner holding member 33 that contacts the surface of
Of the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 'which is a flat surface inclined toward the upstream side of the rotation of the toner layer thickness regulating member 3'.
8'is brought into contact with a position shifted to the upstream side of rotation of the toner holder 33 from directly above, and a support 39 'for supporting the toner layer thickness regulating member 38' is also an L-shape bent at a substantially right angle. You may use the structure which presses from information by 40.
【００７２】このようにしてもトナー保持体３３の回転
開始時にトナー層厚規制部材３８′との間で静止摩擦力
が発生しても、トナー層厚規制部材３８′が図中点線で
示すようにスライドするので、静止摩擦力を逃がすこと
ができる。Even in this case, even if a static friction force is generated between the toner holding member 33 and the toner layer thickness regulating member 38 'at the start of rotation, the toner layer thickness regulating member 38' is indicated by the dotted line in the figure. Since it slides to, the static friction force can be released.
【００７３】そしてこのような構成においても前記実施
例と同様の効果が得られるものである。Even with such a structure, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.
【００７４】[0074]
【発明の効果】以上、本発明によれば、トナー保持体の
回転により生じるトナー層厚規制部材との摩擦力によっ
てトナー層厚規制部材にたわみが生じるのを確実に防止
でき、常に均一なトナー層の形成ができて良好な現像が
できる現像装置を提供できる。As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to surely prevent the toner layer thickness regulating member from being bent due to the frictional force with the toner layer thickness regulating member generated by the rotation of the toner holding member, so that the toner is always uniform. It is possible to provide a developing device capable of forming a layer and performing good development.
【図１】本発明の一実施例を示す断面図。FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】同実施例の要部構成を示す部分斜視図。FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the embodiment.
【図３】同実施例の要部構成を示す側面図。FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the main part of the embodiment.
【図４】同実施例の要部の部分拡大図。FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of a main part of the embodiment.
【図５】本発明の他の実施例における要部構成を示す側
面図。FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the main part of another embodiment of the present invention.
【図６】電子写真装置の構成を示す断面図。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an electrophotographic apparatus.
【図７】従来の課題を説明するための図。FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a conventional problem.
【図８】トナー層厚規制部材の従来例を示す部分斜視
図。FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view showing a conventional example of a toner layer thickness regulating member.
【図９】従来の課題を説明するための図。FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a conventional problem.
３１…潜像保持体 ３２…現像装置 ３３…トナー保持体 ３８…トナー層厚規制部材 ４０…スプリング ４２ａ…長孔 31 ... Latent image holder 32 ... Developing device 33 ... Toner holder 38 ... Toner layer thickness regulating member 40 ... Spring 42a ... Long hole
Claims (3)
接触又は近接して配置し、一方向に回転してトナーをそ
の潜像保持体に供給するトナー保持体及びこのトナー保
持体の表面に先端部が当接し、そのトナー保持体の表面
にトナー層を形成するトナー層厚規制部材を備え、前記
トナー保持体の表面に形成したトナー層により前記潜像
保持体の静電潜像を現像する現像装置において、 前記トナー層厚規制部材は、弾性材からなり、前記トナ
ー保持体に対する押圧荷重の分力がそのトナー保持体の
回転上流側に作用するようにそのトナー保持体に対して
先端部を当接し、かつ前記トナー保持体に対する押圧方
向及びそのトナー保持体との摩擦力が作用する方向に対
してそれぞれ自由度を設けて配置したことを特徴とする
現像装置。1. A toner holding member, which is disposed in contact with or close to the surface of a latent image holding member holding an electrostatic latent image and rotates in one direction to supply toner to the latent image holding member, and the toner holding member. A toner layer thickness regulating member that contacts the surface of the body and forms a toner layer on the surface of the toner holding body is provided, and the toner layer formed on the surface of the toner holding body electrostatically charges the latent image holding body. In the developing device for developing a latent image, the toner layer thickness regulating member is made of an elastic material, and the toner holding member is configured so that the component force of the pressing load on the toner holding member acts on the upstream side of the rotation of the toner holding member. The developing device is characterized in that the front end portion of the developing device is brought into contact with the toner holding member, and degrees of freedom are provided in the pressing direction against the toner holding member and the direction in which the frictional force with the toner holding member acts.
ナー保持体の表面と接触する部位を平面とし、かつその
平面の少なくとも前記トナー保持体の回転上流側端部を
曲面に形成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像装
置。2. The toner layer thickness regulating member is such that a portion of the tip end portion thereof which comes into contact with the surface of the toner holding member is a flat surface, and at least the rotation upstream side end portion of the toner holding member is formed into a curved surface. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein:
ナー保持体の表面と接触する部位の平面をそのトナー保
持体の回転上流側に向かって傾斜した平面としたことを
特徴とする請求項２記載の現像装置。3. The toner layer thickness regulating member is characterized in that a flat surface of a portion of the tip end portion which comes into contact with the surface of the toner holding member is a flat surface inclined toward the upstream side of rotation of the toner holding member. Item 2. The developing device according to item 2.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP30015293A JP2912805B2 (en) | 1993-11-30 | 1993-11-30 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP30015293A JP2912805B2 (en) | 1993-11-30 | 1993-11-30 | Developing device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH07152243A true JPH07152243A (en) | 1995-06-16 |
| JP2912805B2 JP2912805B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 |
Family
ID=17881375
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP30015293A Expired - Fee Related JP2912805B2 (en) | 1993-11-30 | 1993-11-30 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2912805B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2014029557A (en) * | 2006-10-17 | 2014-02-13 | Bridgestone Corp | Developer amount regulating blade and image forming apparatus including the same |
-
1993
- 1993-11-30 JP JP30015293A patent/JP2912805B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2014029557A (en) * | 2006-10-17 | 2014-02-13 | Bridgestone Corp | Developer amount regulating blade and image forming apparatus including the same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2912805B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 |
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