JPH07281521A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH07281521A JPH07281521A JP6075050A JP7505094A JPH07281521A JP H07281521 A JPH07281521 A JP H07281521A JP 6075050 A JP6075050 A JP 6075050A JP 7505094 A JP7505094 A JP 7505094A JP H07281521 A JPH07281521 A JP H07281521A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- developing
- developing container
- developer
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、電子写真方式を採用す
る複写機やレーザビームプリンタ等の画像形成装置に設
けられる現像装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device provided in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer adopting an electrophotographic system.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】図９及び図１０に従来の現像装置３を含
んで構成されるプロセスカートリッジ１０の断面を示す
が、該プロセスカートリッジ１０は、像担持体である感
光ドラム１と、該感光ドラム１の周囲に配される帯電ロ
ーラ２と、前記現像装置３と、クリーニング装置４を共
通のハウジング１１内に一体的に組み込んでユニットと
して構成され、これは不図示の画像形成装置本体に対し
て着脱される。9 and 10 show a cross section of a process cartridge 10 including a conventional developing device 3. The process cartridge 10 includes a photosensitive drum 1, which is an image carrier, and the photosensitive drum. 1, a charging roller 2 disposed around the developing device 3, the developing device 3, and a cleaning device 4 are integrally incorporated in a common housing 11 to form a unit, which is not shown in the drawing. Detachable.
【０００３】ところで、前記現像装置３は、内部に現像
剤（以下、トナーと称す）ｔを収容する現像容器５と、
該現像容器５から供給されるトナーｔをその表面上に担
持してこれを現像に供する現像剤担持体である現像スリ
ーブ６と、該現像スリーブ６上に担持されたにトナーｔ
の層厚を規制する現像ブレード７を含んで構成されてい
る。By the way, the developing device 3 has a developing container 5 for accommodating a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) t therein.
The toner t supplied from the developing container 5 is carried on the surface of the developing sleeve 6, which is a developer carrying member for developing the toner, and the toner t carried on the developing sleeve 6.
And a developing blade 7 that regulates the layer thickness.
【０００４】又、前記クリーニング装置４は、前記感光
ドラム１に摺接して該感光ドラム１に残留する転写残ト
ナー（以下、廃トナーと称す）を掻き取るクリーニング
ブレード８と、該クリーニングブレード８によって掻き
取られた廃トナーを収容するクリーニング容器９を含ん
で構成されている。Further, the cleaning device 4 includes a cleaning blade 8 which is in sliding contact with the photosensitive drum 1 to scrape off transfer residual toner (hereinafter referred to as waste toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 1, and the cleaning blade 8. The cleaning container 9 is configured to contain the scraped toner.
【０００５】尚、図９及び図１０において、１２は装置
本体側に設けられた転写ローラである。In FIGS. 9 and 10, reference numeral 12 is a transfer roller provided on the apparatus main body side.
【０００６】而して、例えば画像形成装置が複写機であ
る場合、不図示の光学系から原稿像に対応する光像が感
光ドラム１上に照射されると、図示矢印方向に一定速度
で回転駆動される感光ドラム１上には原稿像に対応する
潜像が形成され、この潜像は前記現像装置３によって現
像されてトナー像として可視化される。即ち、現像容器
５内のトナーｔは前記現像ブレード７の作用によって前
記現像スリーブ６上に薄層コートされ、現像スリーブ６
が図示矢印方向に回転することによって該現像スリーブ
６上に担持されたトナーｔによって感光ドラム１上の潜
像が前述のように現像されてトナー像として可視化され
る。Thus, for example, when the image forming apparatus is a copying machine, when an optical image corresponding to an original image is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 1 from an optical system (not shown), the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated at a constant speed in a direction indicated by an arrow. A latent image corresponding to the original image is formed on the driven photosensitive drum 1, and the latent image is developed by the developing device 3 and visualized as a toner image. That is, the toner t in the developing container 5 is thinly coated on the developing sleeve 6 by the action of the developing blade 7,
Is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by the toner t carried on the developing sleeve 6 as described above, and is visualized as a toner image.
【０００７】一方、所定のタイミングで感光ドラム１と
転写ローラ１２の間の転写部に搬送される不図示の転写
材上には、感光ドラム１上に形成された前記トナー像が
転写ローラ１１の作用によって転写され、このトナー像
の転写を受けた転写材は、不図示の定着装置に搬送さ
れ、そこでトナー像の定着を受けた後に最終的に機外へ
排出される。On the other hand, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred onto the transfer material (not shown) which is conveyed to the transfer portion between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 12 at a predetermined timing. The transfer material transferred by the action and transferred with the toner image is conveyed to a fixing device (not shown), where the toner image is fixed there, and finally discharged to the outside of the apparatus.
【０００８】尚、トナー像の転写が終了した感光ドラム
１の表面に残留する廃トナーは、前述のようにクリーニ
ング装置４のクリーニングブレード８によって掻き取ら
れてクリーニング容器９に回収され、その表面が清掃さ
れた感光ドラム１は次の画像形成に備えられる。The waste toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer of the toner image is scraped off by the cleaning blade 8 of the cleaning device 4 and collected in the cleaning container 9 as described above. The cleaned photosensitive drum 1 is ready for the next image formation.
【０００９】[0009]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところで、以上の画像
形成動作が繰り返されると、現像装置３の現像容器５内
のトナーｔが消費されてこれの量が次第に減少するが、
図９に示すように現像容器内５内でのトナーｔの残量が
多いために該トナーｔが現像スリーブ６の上まで存在す
る間は現像スリーブ６にトナーｔが十分供給されるため
に問題は生じない。By the way, when the above image forming operation is repeated, the toner t in the developing container 5 of the developing device 3 is consumed and the amount thereof is gradually reduced.
As shown in FIG. 9, since there is a large amount of toner t remaining in the developing container 5, the toner t is sufficiently supplied to the developing sleeve 6 while the toner t exists above the developing sleeve 6, which is a problem. Does not occur.
【００１０】ところが、図１０に示すように現像容器５
内のトナーｔの残量が少なくなったために現像スリーブ
６の周辺にトナーｔが十分に存在しなくなると、現像ス
リーブ６にトナーｔが十分供給されず、画像の濃度低下
や白抜けが発生してしまうという問題があった。However, as shown in FIG.
If the toner t does not sufficiently exist around the developing sleeve 6 because the remaining amount of the toner t in the inside becomes small, the toner t is not sufficiently supplied to the developing sleeve 6 and the image density is reduced and white spots occur. There was a problem that it would end up.
【００１１】本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたもの
で、その目的とする処は、現像剤の残量に拘らず常に良
好な画像を安定して得ることができる現像装置を提供す
ることにある。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a developing device which can always stably obtain a good image regardless of the remaining amount of the developer. is there.
【００１２】[0012]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成すべく、
請求項１記載の発明は、現像剤を収容する現像容器と、
該現像容器から供給される現像剤を担持してこれを現像
に供する現像剤担持体を含んで構成される現像装置にお
いて、前記現像容器内の現像剤残量に応じて現像剤容器
の容積を調整可能に構成したことを特徴とする。[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object,
The invention according to claim 1 is a developing container for containing a developer,
In a developing device including a developer carrier for carrying a developer supplied from the developing container and providing the developer for development, the volume of the developer container is adjusted according to the remaining amount of the developer in the developing container. It is characterized by being configured to be adjustable.
【００１３】請求項２記載の発明は、上記請求項１記載
の発明において、前記現像容器の一部を伸縮自在な伸縮
部材で構成し、該伸縮部材の端部に取り付けられた可動
隔壁を介して前記伸縮部材を付勢手段によって一方向に
付勢したことを特徴とする。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned first aspect of the invention, a part of the developing container is formed of a stretchable member that is stretchable, and a movable partition wall attached to an end of the stretchable member is used. The elastic member is biased in one direction by a biasing means.
【００１４】請求項３記載の発明は、前記請求項１記載
の発明において、一端を中心として回動する可動隔壁で
前記現像容器内を区画するとともに、該可動隔壁を付勢
手段によって一方向に付勢したことを特徴とする。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the inside of the developing container is partitioned by a movable partition that rotates about one end, and the movable partition is unidirectionally urged by an urging means. Characterized by having been urged.
【００１５】請求項４記載の発明は、前記請求項２又は
３記載の発明において、前記現像容器内の現像剤残量を
検知し、その検知結果に基づいて前記可動隔壁を駆動手
段によって移動させることを特徴とする。According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the second or third aspect, the remaining amount of the developer in the developing container is detected, and the movable partition is moved by the driving means based on the detection result. It is characterized by
【００１６】請求項５記載の発明は、前記請求項１記載
の発明において、前記現像容器を巻き取り可能な弾性部
材を含んで構成するとともに、現像容器内の現像剤残量
を検知し、その検知結果に基づいて巻き取り部材を駆動
手段によって駆動して前記弾性部材を巻き取ることを特
徴とする。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the developing container is configured to include an elastic member capable of being wound up, and the remaining amount of the developer in the developing container is detected. The elastic member is wound up by driving the winding member by the drive means based on the detection result.
【００１７】請求項６記載の発明は、前記請求項５記載
の発明において、前記弾性部材を巻き取った後に形成さ
れる空間に、搬送手段に搬送される不要な現像剤を収容
するよう構成したことを特徴とする。According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fifth aspect, the unnecessary developer conveyed by the conveying means is contained in a space formed after the elastic member is wound up. It is characterized by
【００１８】[0018]
【作用】請求項１乃至５記載の発明において、現像容器
内の現像剤残量の減少に伴って現像容器の容積を次第に
小さくしていくと、該現像容器内の現像剤を絶えず現像
剤担持体の上部まで満たしておくことができるため、現
像容器内の現像剤残量に拘らず現像剤担持体に現像剤を
常に十分供給することができ、現像剤の供給不足のため
に従来生じていた画像の濃度低下や白抜けが発生せず、
常に良好な画像を安定して得ることができる。According to the invention of claims 1 to 5, when the volume of the developing container is gradually reduced as the residual amount of the developer in the developing container is reduced, the developer in the developing container is constantly carried. Since it is possible to fill up to the upper part of the body, it is possible to always supply a sufficient amount of developer to the developer carrying member regardless of the remaining amount of developer in the developing container, which has conventionally occurred due to insufficient supply of developer. Image density reduction and white spots do not occur,
A good image can always be obtained stably.
【００１９】又、請求項６記載の発明によれば、弾性部
材を巻き取った後に形成される空間に不要な現像剤を収
容するようにしたため、スペースの有効利用が図られ
る。According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the unnecessary developer is contained in the space formed after the elastic member is wound up, the space can be effectively used.
【００２０】[0020]
【実施例】以下に本発明の実施例を添付図面に基づいて
説明する。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
【００２１】＜第１実施例＞図１及び図２は本発明に係
る現像装置３を備えるプロセスカートリッジ１０の断面
図である。<First Embodiment> FIGS. 1 and 2 are sectional views of a process cartridge 10 having a developing device 3 according to the present invention.
【００２２】本実施例に係るプロセスカートリッジ１０
は、従来と同様に（図９及び図１０参照）、像担持体で
ある感光ドラム１と、該感光ドラム１の周囲に配される
帯電ローラ２と、前記現像装置３と、クリーニング装置
４を共通のハウジング１１内に一体的に組み込んでユニ
ットとして構成され、これは不図示の画像形成装置本体
に対して着脱される。Process cartridge 10 according to this embodiment
In the same manner as in the prior art (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the photosensitive drum 1 serving as an image carrier, the charging roller 2 arranged around the photosensitive drum 1, the developing device 3, and the cleaning device 4 are provided. The unit is integrally incorporated into the common housing 11 to form a unit, which is attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus (not shown).
【００２３】ところで、本発明に係る前記現像装置３
は、内部にトナーｔを収容する現像容器５と、該現像容
器５から供給されるトナーｔをその表面上に担持してこ
れを現像に供する現像剤担持体である現像スリーブ６
と、該現像スリーブ６上に担持されたにトナーｔの層厚
を規制する現像ブレード７を含んで構成されているが、
図示のように現像容器５の一部は伸縮自在な蛇腹状の伸
縮部材１３によって構成されている。By the way, the developing device 3 according to the present invention.
Is a developing container 5 that accommodates the toner t therein, and a developing sleeve 6 that is a developer carrying member that carries the toner t supplied from the developing container 5 on its surface and uses it for development.
And a developing blade 7 for regulating the layer thickness of the toner t carried on the developing sleeve 6,
As shown in the figure, a part of the developing container 5 is composed of a bellows-shaped elastic member 13 which is elastic.
【００２４】そして、上記伸縮部材１３の端部には直線
移動自在な可動隔壁１４が取り付けられており、伸縮部
材１３は可動隔壁１４とハウジング１１の間に縮装され
たスプリング１５によって一方向（現像容器５の容積が
縮小する方向）に付勢されている。A movable partition 14 which is linearly movable is attached to the end of the elastic member 13, and the elastic member 13 is unidirectionally moved by a spring 15 that is compressed between the movable partition 14 and the housing 11. The developing container 5 is urged in the direction of decreasing its volume.
【００２５】又、前記クリーニング装置４は、前記感光
ドラム１に摺接して該感光ドラム１に残留する廃トナー
を掻き取るクリーニングブレード８と、該クリーニング
ブレード８によって掻き取られた廃トナーを収容するク
リーニング容器９を含んで構成されている。Further, the cleaning device 4 accommodates the cleaning blade 8 slidingly contacting the photosensitive drum 1 to scrape off the waste toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1, and the waste toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 8. The cleaning container 9 is included.
【００２６】尚、図１及び図２において、１２は装置本
体側に設けられた転写ローラである。1 and 2, reference numeral 12 is a transfer roller provided on the apparatus main body side.
【００２７】而して、本発明に係る現像装置３は前述と
同様の作用によって感光ドラム１上に形成された潜像の
現像に供されるが、図１に示すように現像容器５内のト
ナーｔの残量が多い場合にはトナーｔは現像スリーブ６
の上まで存在するため、従来と同様に何ら問題は発生し
ない。Thus, the developing device 3 according to the present invention is used for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by the same operation as described above, but as shown in FIG. When the remaining amount of the toner t is large, the toner t is discharged to the developing sleeve 6
As above, there is no problem as in the conventional case.
【００２８】ところで、現像装置３の現像動作によって
現像容器５内のトナーｔが消費され、図２に示すように
現像容器５内のトナーｔの残量が少なくなると、そのト
ナーｔの減少量に応じてスプリング１５によって可動隔
壁１４が図２の左方へ移動して伸縮部材１３が収縮し、
これによって現像容器５の容積が次第に縮小される。こ
のため、容積が縮小した現像容器５内では、図１に示す
トナーｔの残量が多い場合と同様に、トナーｔが現像ス
リーブ６の上部まで満たされることとなり、現像容器５
内のトナーｔの残量が少なくなった場合においても、現
像スリーブ６にトナーｔが十分供給される。By the way, when the toner t in the developing container 5 is consumed by the developing operation of the developing device 3 and the residual amount of the toner t in the developing container 5 becomes small as shown in FIG. In response, the spring 15 moves the movable partition wall 14 to the left in FIG.
As a result, the volume of the developing container 5 is gradually reduced. Therefore, in the developing container 5 having a reduced volume, the toner t is filled up to the upper part of the developing sleeve 6 as in the case where the remaining amount of the toner t is large as shown in FIG.
Even when the remaining amount of the toner t in the inside is low, the toner t is sufficiently supplied to the developing sleeve 6.
【００２９】従って、本実施例によれば、現像容器５内
のトナーｔの残量に拘らず現像スリーブ６にトナーｔを
常に十分供給することができ、トナーｔの供給不足のた
めに従来生じていた画像の濃度低下や白抜けが発生せ
ず、良好な画像を常に安定して得ることができる。Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the toner t can always be sufficiently supplied to the developing sleeve 6 regardless of the remaining amount of the toner t in the developing container 5, and the toner t is insufficiently supplied, which is conventionally caused. As a result, a good image can always be stably obtained without a decrease in image density or white spots.
【００３０】尚、本実施例において、現像容器５内のト
ナーｔの残量を不図示のセンサ等によって検知し、その
検知結果（つまり、トナーｔの残量）に基づいて前記可
動隔壁１４をモータ等の不図示の駆動手段によって移動
させて現像容器５の容積が次第に縮小するようにしても
良い。In this embodiment, the remaining amount of the toner t in the developing container 5 is detected by a sensor (not shown) or the like, and the movable partition 14 is moved based on the detection result (that is, the remaining amount of the toner t). The volume of the developing container 5 may be gradually reduced by moving it by a driving unit (not shown) such as a motor.
【００３１】＜第２実施例＞次に、本発明の第２実施例
を図３及び図４に基づいて説明する。尚、図３及び図４
は本発明の第２実施例に係る現像装置３を備えるプロセ
スカートリッジ１０の断面図であり、これらの図におい
ては図１及び図２に示したと同一要素には同一符号を付
しており、以下、それらについての説明は省略する。<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a process cartridge 10 including a developing device 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In these drawings, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. , And the description thereof will be omitted.
【００３２】本実施例では、支軸１６を中心として回動
する可動隔壁１７よって現像容器５内をトナー室Ｓ１と
バネ室Ｓ２（図４参照）に区画し、トナー室Ｓ１にはト
ナーｔを収容し、バネ室Ｓ２にはスプリング１８を縮装
し、スプリング１８によって前記可動隔壁１７を一方向
（トナー室Ｓ１の容積が縮小する方向）に付勢してい
る。In this embodiment, the interior of the developing container 5 is divided into a toner chamber S1 and a spring chamber S2 (see FIG. 4) by a movable partition wall 17 which rotates around the support shaft 16, and the toner t is stored in the toner chamber S1. A spring 18 is housed in the spring chamber S2, and the spring 18 urges the movable partition 17 in one direction (a direction in which the volume of the toner chamber S1 decreases).
【００３３】而して、本実施例においても、現像装置３
は前述と同様の作用によって感光ドラム１上に形成され
た潜像の現像に供されるが、図３に示すように現像容器
５のトナー室Ｓ１内のトナーｔの残量が多い場合にはト
ナーｔは現像スリーブ６の上まで存在するため、従来と
同様に何ら問題は発生しない。Thus, also in this embodiment, the developing device 3
Is used for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by the same action as described above, but when the toner t remaining in the toner chamber S1 of the developing container 5 is large as shown in FIG. Since the toner t exists above the developing sleeve 6, no problem occurs as in the conventional case.
【００３４】ところで、現像装置３の現像動作によって
現像容器５のトナー室Ｓ１内のトナーｔが消費され、図
４に示すように現像容器５内のトナーｔの残量が少なく
なると、そのトナーｔの減少量に応じてスプリング１８
によって可動隔壁１７が支軸１６を中心として図４の矢
印方向（反時計方向）へ回動してトナー室Ｓ１の容積が
縮小される。このため、容積が縮小したトナー室Ｓ１内
では、図３に示すトナーｔの残量が多い場合と同様に、
トナーｔが現像スリーブ６の上部まで満たされることと
なり、トナー室Ｓ１内のトナーｔの残量が少なくなった
場合においても、現像スリーブ６にトナーｔが十分供給
される。By the way, when the toner t in the toner chamber S1 of the developing container 5 is consumed by the developing operation of the developing device 3 and the remaining amount of the toner t in the developing container 5 becomes small as shown in FIG. The spring 18 according to the decrease amount of
Thus, the movable partition wall 17 rotates about the support shaft 16 in the arrow direction (counterclockwise direction) in FIG. 4 to reduce the volume of the toner chamber S1. Therefore, in the toner chamber S1 having a reduced volume, as in the case where the remaining amount of the toner t is large as shown in FIG.
The toner t is filled up to the upper part of the developing sleeve 6, and the toner t is sufficiently supplied to the developing sleeve 6 even when the remaining amount of the toner t in the toner chamber S1 becomes small.
【００３５】従って、本実施例によっても、現像容器５
（トナー室Ｓ１）内のトナーｔの残量に拘らず現像スリ
ーブ６にトナーｔを常に十分供給することができ、トナ
ーｔの供給不足のために従来生じていた画像の濃度低下
や白抜けが発生せず、良好な画像を常に安定して得るこ
とができる。Therefore, also according to this embodiment, the developing container 5
Regardless of the remaining amount of the toner t in the (toner chamber S1), the toner t can always be sufficiently supplied to the developing sleeve 6, and the image density reduction and white spots that have conventionally occurred due to insufficient supply of the toner t. It does not occur and a good image can always be obtained stably.
【００３６】尚、本実施例においても、前記第１実施例
と同様に、現像容器５のトナー室Ｓ１内のトナーｔの残
量を不図示のセンサ等によって検知し、その検知結果
（つまり、トナーｔの残量）に基づいて前記可動隔壁１
７をモータ等の不図示の駆動手段によって支軸１６を中
心として回動させてトナー室Ｓ１の容積が次第に縮小す
るようにしても良い。Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the remaining amount of the toner t in the toner chamber S1 of the developing container 5 is detected by a sensor or the like (not shown), and the detection result (that is, The movable partition 1 based on the remaining amount of toner t)
The volume of the toner chamber S1 may be gradually reduced by rotating 7 around the support shaft 16 by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown).
【００３７】＜第３実施例＞次に、本発明の第３実施例
を図５及び図６に基づいて説明する。尚、図５及び図６
は本発明の第２実施例に係る現像装置３を備えるプロセ
スカートリッジ１０の断面図であり、これらの図におい
ては図１及び図２に示したと同一要素には同一符号を付
しており、以下、それらについての説明は省略する。<Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that FIG. 5 and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a process cartridge 10 including a developing device 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In these drawings, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. , And the description thereof will be omitted.
【００３８】本実施例では、現像容器５の一部を巻き取
り可能な弾性部材１９で構成するとともに、該現像容器
５内のトナーｔの残量を不図示のセンサ等によって検知
し、その検知結果（つまり、トナーｔの残量）に基づい
て巻き取り部材２０をモータ等の駆動手段によって駆動
して該巻き取り部材２０に前記弾性部材１９を巻き取る
構成を採用している。In this embodiment, a part of the developing container 5 is composed of an elastic member 19 which can be wound up, and the remaining amount of the toner t in the developing container 5 is detected by a sensor (not shown) or the like, and the detection is performed. Based on the result (that is, the remaining amount of the toner t), the winding member 20 is driven by a driving unit such as a motor to wind the elastic member 19 around the winding member 20.
【００３９】而して、本実施例においても、図５に示す
ように現像容器５内のトナーｔの残量が多い状態からト
ナーｔが消費されると、そのトナーｔの消費量（現像容
器５内のトナーｔの残量）に応じて前述のように弾性部
材１９が巻き取り部材２０に巻き取られ、図６に示すよ
うに現像容器５の容積が縮小せしめられるため、前記第
１及び第２実施例と同様に、現像容器５内のトナーｔの
残量に拘らず現像スリーブ６にトナーｔを常に十分供給
することができ、トナーｔの供給不足のために従来生じ
ていた画像の濃度低下や白抜けが発生せず、良好な画像
を常に安定して得ることができる。Thus, also in this embodiment, when the toner t is consumed from a state where the remaining amount of the toner t in the developing container 5 is large as shown in FIG. 5, the consumption amount of the toner t (developing container 5 As described above, the elastic member 19 is wound around the winding member 20 according to the remaining amount of the toner t in the toner 5, and the volume of the developing container 5 is reduced as shown in FIG. Similar to the second embodiment, the toner t can always be sufficiently supplied to the developing sleeve 6 irrespective of the remaining amount of the toner t in the developing container 5, and an image which has conventionally been generated due to insufficient supply of the toner t. A good image can always be stably obtained without a decrease in density or white spots.
【００４０】＜第４実施例＞次に、本発明の第４実施例
を図７及び図８に基づいて説明する。尚、図７及び図８
は本発明の第４実施例に係る現像装置３を備えるプロセ
スカートリッジ１０の断面図であり、これらの図におい
ては図５及び図６に示したと同一要素には同一符号を付
しており、以下、それらについての説明は省略する。<Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8
Is a sectional view of a process cartridge 10 including a developing device 3 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In these drawings, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. , And the description thereof will be omitted.
【００４１】本実施例に係る現像装置３の基本構成は前
記第３実施例に係る現像装置３のそれと同様であるが、
本実施例は、弾性部材１９を巻き取り部材２０に巻き取
って現像容器５の容積が縮小した後にハウジング１１内
に形成される空間Ｓを廃トナーの収納スペースとして有
効利用するものである。The basic structure of the developing device 3 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the developing device 3 according to the third embodiment,
In this embodiment, the space S formed in the housing 11 after the elastic member 19 is wound around the winding member 20 to reduce the volume of the developing container 5 is effectively used as a storage space for waste toner.
【００４２】即ち、本実施例では、クリーニング装置４
のクリーニング容器９内に搬送スクリュー２１を設置
し、ハウジング１１の上部に搬送ベルト２２を設置して
いる。That is, in this embodiment, the cleaning device 4
The conveying screw 21 is installed in the cleaning container 9 and the conveying belt 22 is installed above the housing 11.
【００４３】而して、図７に示すように現像容器５内の
トナーｔの残量が多い状態からトナーｔが消費され、こ
のトナーｔの現像容器５内での残量の減少と共に前記第
３実施例と同様に弾性部材１９が巻き取り部材２０に巻
き取られて現像容器５の容積が縮小した結果、図８に示
すようにハウジング１１内に空間Ｓが形成されると、ク
リーニングブレード８によって感光ドラム１の表面から
掻き取られた廃トナーは、前記搬送スクリュー２１及び
搬送ベルト２２によって空間Ｓの上方に搬送され、そこ
から空間Ｓ内に落下されて該空間Ｓ内に収容される。Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the toner t is consumed from the state in which the remaining amount of the toner t in the developing container 5 is large. As in the case of the third embodiment, the elastic member 19 is wound around the winding member 20 and the volume of the developing container 5 is reduced. As a result, when the space S is formed in the housing 11 as shown in FIG. The waste toner scraped off from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the conveying screw 21 and the conveying belt 22 is conveyed above the space S, and then dropped into the space S to be stored in the space S.
【００４４】従って、本実施例によれば、前記第３実施
例にて得られたと同様の効果に加え、スペースの有効利
用が図られるという効果が得られる。Therefore, according to this embodiment, in addition to the same effect as that obtained in the third embodiment, the effect that the space is effectively used can be obtained.
【００４５】[0045]
【発明の効果】以上の説明で明らかな如く、本発明にお
いて、現像容器内の現像剤残量の減少に伴って現像容器
の容積を次第に小さくしていくと、該現像容器内の現像
剤を絶えず現像剤担持体の上部まで満たしておくことが
できるため、現像容器内の現像剤残量に拘らず現像剤担
持体に現像剤を常に十分供給することができ、現像剤の
供給不足のために従来生じていた画像の濃度低下や白抜
けが発生せず、常に良好な画像を安定して得ることがで
きる。As is apparent from the above description, in the present invention, when the volume of the developing container is gradually reduced as the residual amount of the developer in the developing container is reduced, the developer in the developing container is reduced. Since the upper part of the developer carrier can be constantly filled, the developer carrier can always be sufficiently supplied regardless of the remaining amount of the developer in the developing container. It is possible to always obtain a good image in a stable manner without causing a decrease in image density and white spots that have conventionally occurred.
【図１】本発明の第１実施例に係る現像装置を備えるプ
ロセスカートリッジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量
が多い状態を示す断面図）である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention (a cross-sectional view showing a state where a large amount of toner remains in a developing container).
【図２】本発明の第１実施例に係る現像装置を備えるプ
ロセスカートリッジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量
が少ない状態を示す断面図）である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention (a cross-sectional view showing a state where the toner remaining amount in the developing container is small).
【図３】本発明の第２実施例に係る現像装置を備えるプ
ロセスカートリッジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量
が多い状態を示す断面図）である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention (a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a large amount of toner remains in a developing container).
【図４】本発明の第２実施例に係る現像装置を備えるプ
ロセスカートリッジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量
が少ない状態を示す断面図）である。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention (a cross-sectional view showing a state where the toner remaining amount in the developing container is small).
【図５】本発明の第３実施例に係る現像装置を備えるプ
ロセスカートリッジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量
が多い状態を示す断面図）である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention (a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a large amount of toner remains in a developing container).
【図６】本発明の第３実施例に係る現像装置を備えるプ
ロセスカートリッジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量
が少ない状態を示す断面図）である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention (a cross-sectional view showing a state where the amount of toner remaining in a developing container is small).
【図７】本発明の第４実施例に係る現像装置を備えるプ
ロセスカートリッジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量
が少ない状態を示す断面図）である。FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention (a cross-sectional view showing a state where the amount of toner remaining in a developing container is small).
【図８】本発明の第４実施例に係る現像装置を備えるプ
ロセスカートリッジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量
が少ない状態を示す断面図）である。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention (a cross-sectional view showing a state where the amount of toner remaining in a developing container is small).
【図９】従来の現像装置を備えるプロセスカートリッジ
の断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量が多い状態を示す断
面図）である。FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a process cartridge including a conventional developing device (a sectional view showing a state where a large amount of toner remains in a developing container).
【図１０】従来の現像装置を備えるプロセスカートリッ
ジの断面図（現像容器内のトナー残量が少ない状態を示
す断面図）である。FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge including a conventional developing device (a cross-sectional view showing a state where the amount of toner remaining in a developing container is small).
３ 現像装置 ５ 現像容器 ６ 現像スリーブ（現像剤担持体） １３ 伸縮部材 １４ 可動隔壁 １５ スプリング（付勢手段） １７ 可動隔壁 １８ スプリング（付勢手段） １９ 弾性部材 ２０ 巻き取り部材 ２１ 搬送スクリュー（搬送手段） ２２ 搬送ベルト（搬送手段） Ｓ 空間 ｔ トナー（現像剤） 3 developing device 5 developing container 6 developing sleeve (developer carrying member) 13 elastic member 14 movable partition wall 15 spring (biasing means) 17 movable partition wall 18 spring (biasing means) 19 elastic member 20 winding member 21 transport screw (transportation) Means) 22 Conveying belt (conveying means) S space t Toner (developer)
Claims (6)
器から供給される現像剤を担持してこれを現像に供する
現像剤担持体を含んで構成される現像装置において、前
記現像容器内の現像剤残量に応じて現像剤容器の容積を
調整可能に構成したことを特徴とする現像装置。1. A developing device comprising a developing container for accommodating a developer, and a developer carrying member for carrying the developer supplied from the developing container and providing the developer for development, wherein: The developing device is configured such that the volume of the developer container can be adjusted according to the remaining amount of the developer.
材で構成し、該伸縮部材の端部に取り付けられた可動隔
壁を介して前記伸縮部材を付勢手段によって一方向に付
勢したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像装置。2. A part of the developing container is composed of a stretchable member which is stretchable, and the stretchable member is biased in one direction by a biasing means via a movable partition wall attached to an end of the stretchable member. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein:
記現像容器内を区画するとともに、該可動隔壁を付勢手
段によって一方向に付勢したことを特徴とする請求項１
記載の現像装置。3. The developing container is partitioned by a movable partition that rotates about one end, and the movable partition is biased in one direction by biasing means.
The developing device described.
その検知結果に基づいて前記可動隔壁を駆動手段によっ
て移動させることを特徴とする請求項２又は３記載の現
像装置。4. A remaining amount of developer in the developing container is detected,
4. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the movable partition is moved by a driving unit based on the detection result.
を含んで構成するとともに、現像容器内の現像剤残量を
検知し、その検知結果に基づいて巻き取り部材を駆動手
段によって駆動して前記弾性部材を巻き取ることを特徴
とする請求項１記載の現像装置。5. The developing container is configured to include an elastic member capable of being wound up, the remaining amount of the developer in the developing container is detected, and the winding member is driven by a driving means based on the detection result. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is wound up.
る空間に、搬送手段に搬送される不要な現像剤を収容す
るよう構成したことを特徴とする請求項５記載の現像装
置。6. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein an unnecessary developer conveyed by a conveying unit is contained in a space formed after the elastic member is wound up.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP6075050A JPH07281521A (en) | 1994-04-13 | 1994-04-13 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP6075050A JPH07281521A (en) | 1994-04-13 | 1994-04-13 | Developing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH07281521A true JPH07281521A (en) | 1995-10-27 |
Family
ID=13564994
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP6075050A Pending JPH07281521A (en) | 1994-04-13 | 1994-04-13 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH07281521A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6418284B1 (en) * | 1999-07-12 | 2002-07-09 | Gcc Management Limited | Service unit for an image forming apparatus |
| JP2012189922A (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2012-10-04 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Powder storage container, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP2014142541A (en) * | 2013-01-25 | 2014-08-07 | Canon Inc | Cartridge, developing cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP2021089319A (en) * | 2019-12-02 | 2021-06-10 | 株式会社リコー | Developer container, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| CN114730148A (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2022-07-08 | 佳能株式会社 | Developer supply device and image forming apparatus |
-
1994
- 1994-04-13 JP JP6075050A patent/JPH07281521A/en active Pending
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6418284B1 (en) * | 1999-07-12 | 2002-07-09 | Gcc Management Limited | Service unit for an image forming apparatus |
| JP2012189922A (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2012-10-04 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Powder storage container, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP2014142541A (en) * | 2013-01-25 | 2014-08-07 | Canon Inc | Cartridge, developing cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| CN114730148A (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2022-07-08 | 佳能株式会社 | Developer supply device and image forming apparatus |
| JP2021089319A (en) * | 2019-12-02 | 2021-06-10 | 株式会社リコー | Developer container, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
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