JPH08234569A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH08234569A JPH08234569A JP7061761A JP6176195A JPH08234569A JP H08234569 A JPH08234569 A JP H08234569A JP 7061761 A JP7061761 A JP 7061761A JP 6176195 A JP6176195 A JP 6176195A JP H08234569 A JPH08234569 A JP H08234569A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- developing device
- toner
- main body
- unit
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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、複写機、ファクシミ
リ、プリンター等の画像形成装置に採用される現像装置
に係り、詳しくは、一成分系現像剤を用いた現像装置に
おける現像剤供給量の安定化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 used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, and the like, and more specifically, to a developer supply amount in a developing device using a one-component developer. It is about stabilization.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来、この種の画像形成装置に用いられ
る現像装置としては、トナーとキャリアとを用いた二成
分系現像剤を使用するものと、キャリアを含まないで、
トナーのみから成る一成分系現像剤を使用したものとが
知られている。このうち、一成分系現像剤を用いたもの
の方が、現像装置の小型化、低コスト化、高信頼性等の
点から優れている。また各色の現像剤を重ね合わせたカ
ラー画像を形成する場合には透明度が高いことから、非
磁性の一成分系現像剤を用いることが望ましい。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a developing device used in this type of image forming apparatus, one using a two-component type developer using a toner and a carrier and one not using a carrier,
It is known that a one-component developer composed of only toner is used. Among them, the one using the one-component developer is superior in terms of downsizing of the developing device, cost reduction, high reliability, and the like. Further, in the case of forming a color image in which developers of respective colors are superposed, it is desirable to use a non-magnetic one-component developer because of high transparency.
【０００３】一成分系現像剤（以下、トナーという）を
用いた現像装置としては、表面にトナーを担持し現像領
域を含む所定の循環経路に沿って搬送する現像剤担持体
と、トナーを貯溜する貯溜手段と、該現像剤担持体に接
触し該現像剤貯溜手段に貯溜されているトナーを該現像
剤担持体に供給する現像剤供給手段とを有するものが知
られている（例えば、特開昭５３−１１０８４３号公
報、特開昭６１−１７３２７５号公報参照）。As a developing device using a one-component developer (hereinafter referred to as toner), a developer carrying member that carries toner on its surface and conveys it along a predetermined circulation path including a developing region, and stores the toner. It is known to have a storage means for storing the toner and a developer supply means for contacting the developer carrying member and supplying the toner stored in the developer storing means to the developer carrying body (for example, (See Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 53-110843 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-173275).
【０００４】例えば、特開昭６１−１７３２７５号公報
に示されている現像装置においては、現像剤貯溜手段の
現像剤供給手段に向けたトナー出口が常に開口してお
り、トナーは、このトナー出口を介して該現像剤貯溜手
段内と該現像剤供給手段側との間を自由に流動すること
ができる。For example, in the developing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-173275, the toner outlet toward the developer supplying means of the developer storing means is always open, and the toner is the toner outlet. It is possible to freely flow between the inside of the developer storage means and the side of the developer supply means via.
【０００５】また、特開昭５３−１１０８４３号公報に
示されている現像装置においては、現像剤貯溜手段の上
部に現像剤供給手段を設け、現像剤貯溜手段内のトナー
残量の低下に伴って該貯溜手段としての容器を底上げ
し、貯留トナーの多少に関わらず貯留トナーが現像剤供
給手段に届くように構成している。Further, in the developing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 53-110843, a developer supplying means is provided above the developer accumulating means, and the amount of toner remaining in the developer accumulating means is reduced. The container as the storage means is raised so that the stored toner reaches the developer supply means regardless of the amount of the stored toner.
【０００６】これら一成分現像剤を用いた現像装置は小
型であるため、現像器のみからなるユニット又は現像器
を含むユニット（以下、これらのユニットを現像器ユニ
ットという）を、例えば図１に示すように画像形成装置
本体に対して脱着可能に構成し、トナー補充が本体外で
できるようにしたり、カラー交換の際には、現像器ユニ
ットごと交換できるようにしたりしていた。Since the developing device using these one-component developers is small, a unit consisting of only the developing device or a unit including the developing device (hereinafter, these units are referred to as developing device unit) is shown in FIG. 1, for example. As described above, the main body of the image forming apparatus is configured to be detachable so that the toner can be replenished outside the main body, or the developer unit can be replaced when the color is replaced.
【０００７】[0007]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところが、現像器ユニ
ットを画像形成装置外に取り出した後、しばしば不用意
に長手方向や幅方向にユニットを傾けてしまい、トナー
がユニット内部で一方に偏ってしまうことがある。例え
ば、図２に示すように、他の現像担持体としての現像ロ
ーラ４にトナーを供給する現像剤担持体としてのトナー
供給ローラ５の表面に接触する、現像剤収容部としての
ホッパー部９から現像剤撹拌部材としてのアジテータよ
って供給されたトナーの溜まりが形成された、画像形成
装置内の装着状態で使用される現像ユニットが、図３に
示すようにホッパー部９側が低く現像ローラ４側が高く
なるように傾いた場合は、トナーはホッパー部９内の現
像ローラ４から離れた側に偏ってしまう。また、図示を
省略したが、現像器ユニットが幅方向で傾いた場合は、
トナーが該ユニットの幅方向の低い側に偏ってしまう。However, after the developing unit is taken out of the image forming apparatus, the unit is often inadvertently tilted in the longitudinal direction or the width direction, and the toner is biased to one side inside the unit. Sometimes. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, from a hopper section 9 as a developer accommodating section, which comes into contact with the surface of a toner supply roller 5 as a developer carrier for supplying toner to a developing roller 4 as another developer carrier. As shown in FIG. 3, the developing unit used in a mounted state in the image forming apparatus, in which a reservoir of toner supplied by an agitator as a developer stirring member is formed, has a low hopper portion 9 side and a high developing roller 4 side. If the toner is tilted so as to become, the toner will be biased to the side of the hopper portion 9 that is away from the developing roller 4. Although not shown, when the developing device unit is tilted in the width direction,
The toner is biased toward the lower side in the width direction of the unit.
【０００８】以上の偏りのうち、現像器ユニットの幅方
向での傾きによるトナーの幅方向一端側への偏りは、本
体へのユニット装着後に該ユニットが水平状態に戻って
も、すぐには解消しにくい。このため、装置を作動させ
た際に現像剤供給手段に送られるトナーに該供給手段の
幅方向で偏りが生じ、更に、像担持体上の幅方向でもト
ナーの付着量の多い側と少ない側とが生じてしまう。ト
ナーの少ない側では、単位面積当たりのトナー付着質量
不足から、画像上で濃度不足を引き起こすという不具合
が生じる一方、トナーの多い側では、画像形成で余った
トナー等が飛散し周囲を汚染するという不具合も生じる
ことがわかった。Among the above deviations, the deviation of the toner toward the one end in the width direction due to the inclination in the width direction of the developing unit is immediately eliminated even if the unit returns to the horizontal state after the unit is attached to the main body. Hard to do. For this reason, when the apparatus is operated, the toner sent to the developer supplying means is biased in the width direction of the supplying means, and further, in the width direction on the image carrier, the side where the amount of adhered toner is large and the side where the amount of toner is small And will occur. On the side with a small amount of toner, the toner adhesion mass per unit area is insufficient, which causes a problem that the density is insufficient on the image.On the side with a large amount of toner, surplus toner and the like from the image formation scatters and contaminates the surroundings. It turns out that there are also problems.
【０００９】なお、現像ユニットを水平に保ってトナー
補充などの操作を行えば、上述のようにトナーがユニッ
ト内部で一方に偏るということはないのだが、実際に
は、水平を保ちつつこのような操作を行うことは困難で
ある。It should be noted that if the developing unit is kept horizontal and an operation such as toner replenishment is performed, the toner will not be biased to one side inside the unit as described above, but in reality, the toner is kept horizontal as described above. It is difficult to perform various operations.
【００１０】本発明は以上の問題点に鑑みなされたもの
であり、その目的とするところは、現像剤の補充やカラ
ー交換時に、画像形成装置本体に対して脱着を行う現像
装置において、画像形成装置本体への装着後すぐに作動
させても、現像剤の飛散や形成画像上の濃度ムラが生じ
ない現像装置を提供することである。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to form an image in a developing device which is attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming device at the time of replenishment of developer and color replacement. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device that does not cause scattering of the developer or uneven density on a formed image even when the developing device is operated immediately after being mounted on the device body.
【００１１】[0011]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、請求項１の現像装置は、潜像担持体又は他の現像担
持体へ、現像剤を担持して搬送するように駆動される現
像剤担持体を備え、該現像剤担持体に供給される現像剤
を収容する現像剤収容部が形成され、かつ、画像形成装
置本体に対して脱着可能に構成された現像装置におい
て、画像形成装置本体から取り出した状態で、該現像剤
担持体の近傍の現像剤が、該現像剤収容部の内部に向け
て移動するのを規制する現像剤移動規制手段を設けたこ
とを特徴とするものである。In order to achieve the above object, the developing device of claim 1 is driven so as to carry and convey a developer to a latent image carrier or another developing carrier. In a developing device including a developer carrier, a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer supplied to the developer carrier is formed, and the image forming device is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. A developer movement restricting means for restricting the movement of the developer in the vicinity of the developer carrier toward the inside of the developer accommodating portion in a state of being taken out from the apparatus main body is provided. Is.
【００１２】ここで、現像剤移動の規制は、画像形成装
置から取り出した状態の現像装置をどのように傾けて
も、現像剤担持体の近傍の現像剤が現像剤収容部の内部
に向けて移動するのを完全に防止できる規制が望まし
い。但し、現像剤は自重によってユニット内の下部に集
中しており、現像器ユニットを装置本体から取り出した
状態においてユニットを傾けてしまったとしても、ユニ
ットを垂直や、それ以上に傾けて逆さにすること等はま
れであるため、ある程度の傾斜範囲でのみ有効な規制で
あっても良い。Here, the developer movement is regulated so that no matter how the developing device taken out from the image forming apparatus is tilted, the developer in the vicinity of the developer carrying member is directed toward the inside of the developer accommodating portion. Regulations that can completely prevent movement are desirable. However, the developer is concentrated in the lower part of the unit due to its own weight, and even if the unit is tilted when the developer unit is taken out from the main body of the unit, the unit is tilted vertically or more than that and turned upside down. Since this is rare, the regulation may be effective only within a certain tilt range.
【００１３】請求項２の現像装置は、請求項１の現像装
置において、上記現像剤担持体の近傍と上記現像剤収容
部の内部との間での現像剤の移動を規制する位置と、該
移動を許容する位置とを選択的に取り得るよう、該近傍
と該内部との間に移動可能に設けられた現像剤移動規制
部材と、両位置それぞれで該現像剤移動規制部材を位置
決めする位置決め手段とで、上記現像剤移動規制手段を
構成したことを特徴とするものである。A developing device according to a second aspect is the developing device according to the first aspect, wherein a position for restricting the movement of the developer between the vicinity of the developer carrying member and the inside of the developer accommodating portion, A developer movement restricting member movably provided between the vicinity and the inside so as to selectively take a position allowing the movement, and positioning for positioning the developer movement restricting member at both positions. Means and means constitute the developer movement regulating means.
【００１４】請求項３の現像装置は、請求項１の現像装
置において、収容されている現像剤を撹拌するように上
記現像剤収容部内で移動駆動される、該現像剤収容部内
の幅方向に延在する現像剤撹拌部材を設け、該現像剤撹
拌部材と、上記現像剤担持体の近傍の現像剤が、該現像
剤収容部内における該現像剤担持体から遠い側に向けて
移動するのを規制し得る移動位置に、該現像剤撹拌部材
を停止せしめる位置決め手段とで、上記現像剤移動規制
手段を構成したことを特徴とするものである。A developing device according to a third aspect is the developing device according to the first aspect, wherein the developing device is moved and driven in the developer accommodating portion so as to agitate the accommodated developer in a width direction in the developer accommodating portion. An extending developer agitating member is provided, and the developer agitating member and the developer in the vicinity of the developer carrying member move toward the side farther from the developer carrying member in the developer accommodating portion. It is characterized in that the developer movement regulating means is constituted by a positioning means for stopping the developer stirring member at a regulated movement position.
【００１５】請求項４の現像装置は、潜像担持体又は他
の現像担持体へ、現像剤を担持して搬送するように駆動
される現像剤担持体を備え、該現像剤担持体に供給され
る現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部が形成され、かつ、画
像形成装置本体に対して脱着可能に構成された現像装置
において、該現像剤担持体から遠い側の側壁部分が、該
現像剤担持体との距離可変になるように該現像剤収容部
を構成し、画像形成装置本体から取り出した状態で、該
距離が、画像形成装置本体に装着されている状態におけ
る該距離よりも小さくなるように、該側壁部分を移動さ
せる収容部側壁部分移動手段を設けたことを特徴とする
ものである。A developing device according to a fourth aspect of the invention is provided with a developer carrier which is driven to carry and convey the developer to a latent image carrier or another developer carrier, and the developer carrier is supplied to the developer carrier. In a developing device in which a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer to be formed is formed and is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the side wall portion on the side far from the developer carrier is the developer. The developer accommodating portion is configured so that the distance from the carrier is variable, and the distance is smaller than the distance in the state where the developer is accommodated in the image forming apparatus main body when taken out from the image forming apparatus main body. As described above, the present invention is characterized in that the housing side wall part moving means for moving the side wall part is provided.
【００１６】[0016]
【作用】請求項１の現像装置においては、画像形成装置
本体から取り出した状態で、該現像剤担持体の近傍の現
像剤が、現像装置の傾斜などによって現像剤収容部の内
部に向けて移動するのを現像剤移動規制手段で規制す
る。これにより、取り出し前の画像形成装置本体内装着
状態のときに、現像剤担持体近傍に存在していた現像剤
が、取り出し状態で現像装置が傾斜しても、現像剤収容
部の内部に移動することなく、現像剤担持体近傍に保持
されるようにする。In the developing device according to the first aspect of the invention, the developer in the vicinity of the developer carrying member moves toward the inside of the developer accommodating portion due to the inclination of the developing device or the like in a state of being taken out from the main body of the image forming device. This is regulated by the developer movement regulation means. As a result, the developer existing in the vicinity of the developer carrier in the mounting state in the main body of the image forming apparatus before being taken out moves to the inside of the developer accommodating portion even if the developing device is inclined in the taken out state. Instead, it is held near the developer carrying member.
【００１７】請求項２の現像装置においては、上記現像
剤担持体の近傍と上記現像剤収容部の内部との間に設け
られた現像剤移動規制部材を、例えば画像形成装置本体
からの現像装置の取り出しに連動させて、該近傍と該内
部との間での現像剤の移動を規制する位置に移動させ、
位置決め手段によって該位置に位置決めする。これによ
り、取り出し前の画像形成装置本体内装着状態のとき
に、現像剤担持体近傍に存在していた現像剤が、取り出
し状態で現像装置が傾斜しても、現像剤移動規制部材で
現像剤収容部の内部側への移動が規制されて、現像剤担
持体近傍に保持されるようにする。そして、例えば現像
装置を画像形成装置本体に装着するのに連動させて、上
記現像剤規制部材を、上記移動を許容する位置に移動さ
せ、位置決め手段よって該位置に位置決めする。これに
より、画像形成装置本体に装着された状態での現像装置
の動作中に、現像剤収容部から現像剤担持体側に現像剤
が供給されるのを邪魔しないようにする。In the developing device according to the second aspect, a developer movement restricting member provided between the vicinity of the developer carrying member and the inside of the developer accommodating portion is provided, for example, in the developing device from the main body of the image forming apparatus. In conjunction with the removal of the developer, to a position that regulates the movement of the developer between the vicinity and the inside,
Positioning is performed at this position by the positioning means. As a result, the developer existing in the vicinity of the developer carrying member in the mounting state in the main body of the image forming apparatus before being taken out can be removed by the developer movement restricting member even if the developing device is inclined in the taken out state. The movement of the accommodation portion toward the inside is regulated so that the accommodation portion is held near the developer carrying member. Then, for example, in conjunction with mounting the developing device on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the developer regulating member is moved to a position that allows the movement, and is positioned at the position by the positioning means. This prevents the supply of the developer from the developer accommodating portion to the developer carrier side during the operation of the developing device mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus.
【００１８】請求項３の現像装置においては、現像剤収
容部内の幅方向に延在する現像剤撹拌部材を、例えば画
像形成装置本体からの現像装置の取り出しに連動させ
て、現像剤担持体近傍の現像剤が、現像剤収容部内にお
ける現像剤担持体から遠い側に向けて移動するのを規制
し得る移動位置に移動させ、位置決め手段によって該位
置に停止させる。これにより、取り出し前の画像形成装
置本体内装着状態のときに、現像剤担持体近傍に存在し
ていた現像剤が、取り出し状態で現像装置が傾斜して
も、上記現像剤撹拌部材で現像剤収容部の内部への移動
が規制されて、現像剤担持体近傍に保持されるようにす
る。In the developing device according to the third aspect, the developer stirring member extending in the width direction in the developer accommodating portion is interlocked with, for example, the removal of the developing device from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the vicinity of the developer carrying member. The developer is moved to a moving position where it can be restrained from moving away from the developer carrier in the developer accommodating portion, and stopped at that position by the positioning means. As a result, the developer existing in the vicinity of the developer carrier in the state of being mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus before being taken out can be removed by the developer stirring member even if the developing device is inclined in the taken out state. The movement of the accommodation portion into the interior is regulated so that the accommodation portion is retained near the developer carrier.
【００１９】請求項４の現像装置においては、現像剤担
持体との距離可変になるように構成した現像剤収容部に
おける現像剤担持体から遠い側の側壁部分を、例えば画
像形成装置本体からの現像装置の取り出しに連動させ
て、該距離が画像形成装置本体に装着されている状態に
おける該距離よりも小さくなるように、収容部側壁部分
移動手段で移動させる。これにより、取り出し前の画像
形成装置本体内装着状態のときに、現像剤収容部内に存
在していた現像剤を現像剤担持体近傍に押し集め、取り
出し状態で現像装置が傾斜しても、現像剤が現像剤担持
体近傍に保持されるようにする。In the developing device of the fourth aspect, the side wall portion of the developer accommodating portion, which is configured to be variable in distance from the developer carrying member, on the side far from the developer carrying member, for example, from the main body of the image forming apparatus. In conjunction with the removal of the developing device, the container side wall portion moving means moves the distance so that the distance is smaller than the distance when the developing device is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the developer existing in the developer accommodating portion is collected near the developer carrier when the image forming apparatus is mounted in the image forming apparatus body before being taken out, and even if the developing device tilts in the taken-out state, the development is performed. The agent is retained near the developer carrying member.
【実施例】以下、本発明を電子写真複写機の現像装置に
適用した一実施例について説明する。図４は本実施例に
係る現像装置の概要構成を示す正面図である。この現像
装置は、後述するホッパー部９とトナー供給ローラ５と
の間のトナーの移動を規制するための構成を追加した点
を除き、図２に示す従来の現像装置と同様の構成を採用
している。よって、まず、図２を用いて、前提となる現
像装置構成について詳述する。図２において、潜像担持
体としての感光体ドラム１は例えば矢印時計方向に回転
駆動される。該感光体ドラム１の右側方に現像装置とし
ての現像器ユニット２が配設されている。感光体ドラム
１の周囲には、電子写真プロセスを実施するために、周
知の帯電装置、露光光学系、転写分離装置、クリーニン
グ装置、除電装置（いずれも図示せず）等が配設されて
いる。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a developing device of an electrophotographic copying machine will be described below. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the developing device according to this embodiment. This developing device employs the same configuration as the conventional developing device shown in FIG. 2 except that a configuration for restricting the movement of toner between a hopper section 9 and a toner supply roller 5 described later is added. ing. Therefore, first, a prerequisite developing device configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum 1 as a latent image carrier is rotationally driven, for example, in the clockwise direction of the arrow. A developing device unit 2 as a developing device is arranged on the right side of the photosensitive drum 1. Around the photosensitive drum 1, a known charging device, an exposure optical system, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, a destaticizing device (none of which are shown), etc. are arranged for carrying out the electrophotographic process. .
【００２０】現像装置としての現像器ユニット２は、感
光体ドラム１表面に向けた開口を備えたケーシング３
と、該開口から一部が露出して所定の周速で矢印反時計
方向に回転駆動される現像ローラ４と、該現像ローラ４
の右側方部に圧接した状態で矢印時計方向に回転駆動さ
れる現像剤担持体としてのトナー供給ローラ５と、ケー
シング３内の右側方部に構成されたホッパー部９に収容
されている非磁性一成分系現像剤（以下、トナーとい
う）７を連通部１０を通じて該供給ローラ５表面に供給
するとともにホッパー部９内のトナーを撹拌する現像剤
撹拌部材としてのアジテータ６と、現像ローラ４の回転
で感光体ドラム１との対向部である現像領域Ａに搬送さ
れる現像ローラ４上のトナー層の厚みを均一にならす層
厚ならし板８とを有している。The developing device unit 2 as a developing device has a casing 3 having an opening facing the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.
A developing roller 4 that is partially exposed from the opening and is driven to rotate counterclockwise at a predetermined peripheral speed;
The toner supply roller 5 as a developer carrying member, which is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction of the arrow in a state of being pressed against the right side portion of the, and the non-magnetic member housed in the hopper portion 9 formed in the right side portion of the casing 3. Rotation of an agitator 6 as a developer stirring member that stirs the toner in the hopper 9 while supplying a one-component developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) 7 to the surface of the supply roller 5 through a communicating portion 10. And a layer thickness leveling plate 8 for uniformly leveling the thickness of the toner layer on the developing roller 4 which is conveyed to the developing area A which is the portion facing the photosensitive drum 1.
【００２１】上記現像ローラ４は、図２に示すように現
像領域Ａで感光体ドラム１表面と所定間隙をおいて対向
して非接触現像を行うように配置しても良いし、現像ロ
ーラ４上のトナー層が感光体１表面に接触するように配
置して接触現像を行うようにしても良い。As shown in FIG. 2, the developing roller 4 may be arranged so as to face the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with a predetermined gap in the developing area A so as to perform non-contact development. Contact development may be performed by disposing the upper toner layer so as to contact the surface of the photoreceptor 1.
【００２２】上記トナー供給ローラ５は、芯金５ａ上に
弾性発泡体層５ｂを備えており、この弾性発泡体層５２
の少なくとも表面近傍の内部にトナーを保持できるよう
に表面に多数の空孔が開口している。このトナー供給ロ
ーラ５の弾性発泡体層５２の材質としては、現像ローラ
４と接触してトナーと現像ローラ４に所望の摩擦帯電を
与えることのできるように、摩擦帯電系列上、トナー７
の材料と現像ローラ４の表面部の材料との中間にあるも
のを採用することが望ましい。なお、トナー供給ローラ
５は、例えば現像ローラ４の表面に所定量食い込んでで
圧接する位置に支持され、表面が現像ローラ４との接触
部において現像ローラ４表面と同方向に移動する順方向
に回転するように駆動される。The toner supply roller 5 is provided with an elastic foam layer 5b on a core metal 5a, and this elastic foam layer 52 is provided.
A large number of holes are opened on the surface so that the toner can be retained at least in the vicinity of the surface. The material of the elastic foam layer 52 of the toner supply roller 5 is toner 7 in the triboelectrification series so that it can be brought into contact with the developing roller 4 to give desired triboelectrification to the toner and the developing roller 4.
It is desirable to use a material that is intermediate between the material described above and the material of the surface portion of the developing roller 4. The toner supply roller 5 is supported, for example, at a position where it comes into contact with the surface of the developing roller 4 by a predetermined amount and comes into pressure contact, and in the forward direction in which the surface moves in the same direction as the surface of the developing roller 4 at the contact portion with the developing roller 4. Driven to rotate.
【００２３】上記アジテータ６は、ホッパー部９内の収
容トナー７をトナー供給ローラ５表面に供給するととも
に、該収容トナー７を撹拌するものであるが、ホッパー
部９の形状やトナーの流動性によってトナーの自重でト
ナー供給ローラ５表面への供給が可能である場合等に
は、省略しても良い。The agitator 6 supplies the toner 7 contained in the hopper 9 to the surface of the toner supply roller 5 and agitates the toner 7. However, depending on the shape of the hopper 9 and the fluidity of the toner. If the toner can be supplied to the surface of the toner supply roller 5 by its own weight, it may be omitted.
【００２４】上記層厚ならし板８は、その材質として、
上記のトナー供給ローラ５の表面材質と同様に、帯電系
列上トナー材料と上記誘電体の材料との間に位置するも
のを採用することが望ましい。なお、図４に示す本実施
例の現像装置では、層厚ならし板がケーシングの一部と
して兼用されている。The layer thickness leveling plate 8 is made of
Similar to the surface material of the toner supply roller 5, it is desirable to adopt a material located between the toner material and the dielectric material in the charging series. In the developing device of this embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the layer-thickness leveling plate is also used as a part of the casing.
【００２５】次に、図４（ａ），（ｂ）を用いて本実施
例の要部であるホッパー部と現像ローラとの間のトナー
の移動を規制する具体的な構成を説明する。本実施例
は、ホッパー部９の内面に現像ローラ収容部との連通部
１０を開閉する現像剤移動規制部材としての可動式のシ
ャッター２０を設けている。このシャッター２０の端部
にはホッパー部９を形成するケーシング３に設けた溝２
２を通過しケーシング３外部に突き出す突起部２１が形
成されている。ホッパー部９には、連通部１０側に開口
部が形成されており、シャッター２０がこの開口部上部
に上下にのスライド移動可能に設けられており、突起部
２１がシャッター２０の開閉移動分の長さで上下方向に
細長く形成された溝２２にガイドされて往復移動するこ
とにより、シャッターの開閉が行われる。このシャッタ
ー２０が、現像器ユニット２を装置本体に装着している
時には開き、現像器ユニット２を本体から離脱する際に
は閉じるように上記突起部２１の位置決めを行うため、
装置本体のユニット収容部には、現像器ユニットを覆う
形状のガイド部材２４を設け、ガイド部材２４の手前側
端部にはシャッターが閉じている時の上記突起部２１の
位置に、また奥側にはユニット装着時にシャッターが開
口している時の上記突起部２１の位置に突起部２１が進
入する溝を形成し、溝の手前側と奥側とを連結した突起
部２１移動可能な細長いガイド溝２３を設けている。ユ
ニット２が本体に装着されている時に、上記ガイド溝２
３によってシャッター２０が開状態になるような溝２２
の位置に位置決めされている突起部２１は、ユニット２
を本体から取り出そうとして引き抜く時、ガイド溝２３
にガイドされて溝２２上を次第にシャッター２０が閉状
態になる位置に移動する。シャッター２０が閉じると、
シャッター２０を閉じる直前にシャッター遮蔽位置より
現像ローラ４側にあったトナー７は、ホッパー９側へ逆
流せず現像ローラ近傍の狭い空間に保持されるため、ユ
ニット２が長手方向に傾いても一方に偏らない。再びユ
ニットを取り付ける時、装置本体側のユニット収容部に
ユニットが進入するに従って、突起部２１がガイド溝２
３にガイドされて移動し、ユニットが完全に取り付け状
態になった時、シャッター２０を開口させる位置で停止
する。Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a specific structure for restricting the movement of the toner between the developing roller and the hopper portion, which is the main part of this embodiment, will be described. In this embodiment, a movable shutter 20 is provided on the inner surface of the hopper portion 9 as a developer movement restricting member that opens and closes the communication portion 10 with the developing roller accommodating portion. At the end of the shutter 20, the groove 2 provided in the casing 3 forming the hopper 9 is formed.
A protrusion 21 that passes through 2 and protrudes to the outside of the casing 3 is formed. An opening is formed in the hopper section 9 on the side of the communication section 10, a shutter 20 is provided on the upper part of the opening so as to be slidable up and down, and a projection 21 corresponds to the opening / closing movement of the shutter 20. The shutter is opened and closed by being reciprocally moved by being guided by a groove 22 formed in a slender shape in the vertical direction. Since the shutter 20 is positioned so that the shutter 21 is opened when the developing device unit 2 is attached to the apparatus main body and is closed when the developing device unit 2 is detached from the main body,
A guide member 24 having a shape that covers the developing device unit is provided in the unit accommodating portion of the apparatus main body, and the front end of the guide member 24 is located at the position of the projection 21 when the shutter is closed, and at the back side. Is formed with a groove into which the protrusion 21 enters when the shutter is open when the unit is attached, and the protrusion 21 is movable and is a slender guide that connects the front side and the rear side of the groove. A groove 23 is provided. When the unit 2 is mounted on the main body, the guide groove 2
The groove 22 that opens the shutter 20 by 3
The protrusion 21 positioned at the position
Guide groove 23 when pulling out to remove from the body
Guided by, the shutter 20 gradually moves to a position where the shutter 20 is closed. When the shutter 20 closes,
The toner 7 that was on the developing roller 4 side from the shutter blocking position immediately before closing the shutter 20 does not flow backward to the hopper 9 side and is held in a narrow space near the developing roller. Therefore, even if the unit 2 tilts in the longitudinal direction, Not biased to. When the unit is attached again, as the unit enters the unit accommodating portion on the apparatus main body side, the protrusion 21 is formed into the guide groove 2
When the unit is completely attached, the shutter 20 stops at the position where the shutter 20 is opened.
【００２６】更に、図示を省略したが、現像器ユニット
２を本体から外した時にシャッター２０が閉じる方向に
バネ等で張架しておけば、ユニット２が本体から取り外
された状態において予期しない外力によりシャッター２
０が開いてしまうことを防止できる。また、シャッター
２０の開閉操作の方法としては、上記の方法で行うほか
に、手動で行っても良いし、磁力等を利用して自動で行
うように構成してもよい。Although not shown in the figure, if the developing unit 2 is detached from the main body and stretched by a spring or the like in the direction in which the shutter 20 is closed, an unexpected external force will be applied when the unit 2 is detached from the main body. By shutter 2
It is possible to prevent 0 from opening. In addition to the above-described method, the shutter 20 may be opened and closed manually, or automatically by using magnetic force or the like.
【００２７】次に、図５（ａ）〜（ｄ）を用いて、現像
剤移動規制部材としてのシャッターの変形例を説明す
る。本例においては、連通部１０の上下方向の中央に、
連通部１０の長手方向両端部まで延在した仕切部材３５
を設け、連通部１０を上下二通路に分割し、各通路にシ
ャッター３０を設けている。シャッター３０は、連通部
１０で長手方向に伸びた回転可能な軸部３２と、該軸部
３２から放射方向に伸びた板状の翼部３１とから形成さ
れている。軸部３２は、ユニット長手方向の後端でケー
シングに形成された貫通孔を通って外部に突出し、突出
した軸上に軸線に対して垂直な突起部３３が形成されて
いる。また、装置本体の奥側には、図５（ｄ）に示すよ
うに、外部からのユニット装着操作時に突出した軸部３
２が内部に進入できる管を設け、この管に所定の位置か
ら突起部３３が進入し、かつ該突起部３３がユニット挿
入方向にスライド可能な程度突起部３３との間に余裕が
ある細長いガイド溝３４を設ける。このガイド溝３４内
を突起部３３が進入及び後退することにより、軸部３２
の周方向での位置決めが行われる。Next, a modified example of the shutter as the developer movement restricting member will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present example, in the vertical center of the communication part 10,
Partition member 35 extending to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the communication portion 10.
Is provided, the communication portion 10 is divided into two upper and lower passages, and a shutter 30 is provided in each passage. The shutter 30 includes a rotatable shaft portion 32 extending in the longitudinal direction of the communication portion 10 and a plate-shaped blade portion 31 extending in the radial direction from the shaft portion 32. The shaft portion 32 projects to the outside through a through hole formed in the casing at the rear end in the unit longitudinal direction, and a projection portion 33 perpendicular to the axis is formed on the projected shaft. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5D, the shaft portion 3 that protrudes at the time of mounting the unit from the outside is provided on the inner side of the apparatus body.
2 is provided with a pipe into which the projection 33 enters from a predetermined position, and the projection 33 is slidable in the unit insertion direction. A groove 34 is provided. When the protrusion 33 moves in and out of the guide groove 34, the shaft 32
Is positioned in the circumferential direction.
【００２８】シャッター３０は、通常現像器ユニット２
が現像装置本体に収容されている時には、図５（ｂ）に
示すように翼部３１がトナー供給方向に対して水平にな
り連通部１０を開口させるように、上記突起部３３がガ
イド溝３４の奥に嵌入して軸部３２の周方向停止位置の
位置決めを行っている。そして、現像器ユニット２を現
像装置本体から離脱させる時、上記突起部３３がガイド
溝３４をスライドしながら軸部３２の周方向で移動し、
軸部３２を反時計回りに回転さる。図５（ｃ）に示すよ
うに、現像器ユニット２が本体から離間状態になったと
き、翼部３１がトナー供給方向に対して垂直になる位置
で停止し、連通部１０を封鎖する。この翼部３１の駆動
方法としては、前記実施例と同様手動式にしてもよい。
また、前記実施例同様に現像器ユニット２を本体から外
している時にはシャッター３０を閉じるバネを設けても
よい。The shutter 30 is usually the developing device unit 2
5B is accommodated in the main body of the developing device, the projection 33 is guided by the guide groove 34 so that the wing portion 31 becomes horizontal with respect to the toner supply direction to open the communication portion 10 as shown in FIG. 5B. It is fitted into the inner part of the shaft to position the circumferential stop position of the shaft portion 32. When the developing unit 2 is detached from the main body of the developing device, the protrusion 33 moves in the circumferential direction of the shaft 32 while sliding in the guide groove 34,
Rotate the shaft portion 32 counterclockwise. As shown in FIG. 5C, when the developing device unit 2 is separated from the main body, the blade portion 31 is stopped at a position perpendicular to the toner supply direction to close the communication portion 10. The wing portion 31 may be driven manually as in the above-described embodiment.
A spring may be provided to close the shutter 30 when the developing device unit 2 is removed from the main body, as in the above embodiment.
【００２９】次に、図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）及び図７
（ａ），（ｂ）を用いて、現像剤移動規制部材としての
シャッターの他の変形例を説明する。本例のシャッター
４０は、連通部１０の長手方向両端部まで延在した軸部
４２と、軸部から放射状に延びる羽部４２ａ，４２ｂと
を有している。軸部４２は、連通部１０の底面にその軸
部の上部がケーシング内部に露出し、下部がケーシング
外部に露出し、周方向の回転自在に設けられている。羽
部４１ａは、軸部４２上のケーシング内部に露出した側
に連通部１０の長手方向両端部まで設けられ、一定の高
さを有している。また、羽部４１ｂは、軸部４２上のケ
ーシング外部に露出した側に前記羽部材４１ａに対して
水平に設けられ、一定の高さを有している。本実施例で
は、ケーシング内部側の羽部４１ａの高さを、連通部１
０の上下間の高さの例えば３分の２程度にし、ケーシン
グ外部側の羽部４１ｂの高さを、大人の人差し指の幅程
度にしている。また、図７（ａ）に示すように、ケーシ
ング内部側の羽部４１ａの先端と、連通部１０上面とを
バネ４３で連結し、このバネ力により内部側の羽部４１
ａが上部に立ち上がるように構成している。また、図７
（ｂ）のように、外部側の羽部４１ｂを外力を加えるこ
とにより倒すと、軸部４２が回転し、内部側の羽部４１
ａも連動して倒れ、連通部１０が開口する。Next, FIGS. 6A to 6C and FIG.
Another modification of the shutter as the developer movement restricting member will be described with reference to (a) and (b). The shutter 40 of the present example has a shaft portion 42 extending to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the communication portion 10, and wing portions 42a and 42b radially extending from the shaft portion. The shaft portion 42 is provided on the bottom surface of the communication portion 10 such that the upper portion of the shaft portion is exposed inside the casing and the lower portion is exposed outside the casing, and is rotatable in the circumferential direction. The wing portion 41a is provided up to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the communication portion 10 on the side of the shaft portion 42 exposed inside the casing, and has a constant height. The wing portion 41b is provided horizontally on the wing member 41a on the side of the shaft portion 42 exposed to the outside of the casing and has a constant height. In this embodiment, the height of the wing portion 41a on the inner side of the casing is set to the communication portion 1
For example, the height between the upper and lower sides of 0 is set to about ⅔, and the height of the wing portion 41b on the outer side of the casing is set to the width of the index finger of an adult. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, the tip of the wing portion 41a on the inner side of the casing and the upper surface of the communicating portion 10 are connected by a spring 43, and the wing portion 41 on the inner side is connected by this spring force.
It is configured such that a stands up. Also, FIG.
As shown in (b), when the outer wing portion 41b is tilted down by applying an external force, the shaft portion 42 rotates and the inner wing portion 41b is rotated.
a also interlocks and falls, and the communication part 10 opens.
【００３０】現像器ユニット２が装置本体に収容されて
いる時にはケーシング３外部側に突出した羽部４１ｂが
装置本体のユニット収容部の底部に押し上げられて倒れ
ることによって、内部側の羽部４１ａが倒れ、連通部１
０を開口させている。そして、現像器ユニット２を現像
装置本体から取り外すと、外部側の羽部４１ｂを倒して
いた外力から解放されるため、内部側の羽部４１ａが図
６（ａ）のように立ち上がる。これにより連通部１０の
下部が閉じられ、図６（ｂ）のように現像器ユニット２
が幅方向でホッパー部９側が低く傾いても現像ローラ近
傍のトナー７がホッパー部９に逆流しないようにトナー
７の移動を規制することができる。再び現像器ユニット
２を装置本体に装着するとき、例えば指で外部側の羽部
４１ｂを倒して本体に挿入すれば、図６（ｃ）のよう
に、現像ローラ近傍にトナーが保持され、かつ内部側の
羽部４１ａが倒れてトナー７が連通部１０を自由に通過
できるようになる。When the developing device unit 2 is accommodated in the main body of the apparatus, the wing portion 41b projecting to the outside of the casing 3 is pushed up by the bottom of the unit accommodating portion of the main body of the apparatus and falls down, so that the wing portion 41a on the inner side is removed. Fallen, communication part 1
0 is opened. Then, when the developing device unit 2 is detached from the developing device main body, the external wing 41b is released from the external force that has been tilted, so that the internal wing 41a rises as shown in FIG. 6A. As a result, the lower portion of the communication section 10 is closed, and the developing unit 2 is opened as shown in FIG.
The movement of the toner 7 can be restricted so that the toner 7 in the vicinity of the developing roller does not flow back to the hopper portion 9 even if the hopper portion 9 side is tilted low in the width direction. When the developing device unit 2 is mounted on the main body of the apparatus again, if the outer wing portion 41b is tilted with a finger and inserted into the main body, the toner is retained in the vicinity of the developing roller as shown in FIG. 6C, and The wing portion 41a on the inner side falls down so that the toner 7 can freely pass through the communication portion 10.
【００３１】次に、図８（ａ）〜（ｃ）を用いて本発明
の他の実施例に係るトナー７のホッパー９への逆流を規
制する構成を説明する。本実施例の現像器ユニットは、
構造は前述の図２の現像器ユニット２と同一であるの
で、共通する構成については説明を省略する。本実施例
では、現像器ユニットが装置本体から取り外された状態
にあるときには、ホッパー部９内に設けたアジテータ６
を図８（ａ）のように、先端部が軸部直下よりも連通部
１０側に寄って、アジテータ面が傾斜する位置（以下、
トナー移動規制位置）に停止させる。この位置でアジテ
ータ６が、現像ローラ近傍のトナー７を現像ローラ近傍
に押さえ込み、ホッパー９内に戻らないようにしてい
る。 （以下、余白）Next, referring to FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c), a structure for regulating the backflow of the toner 7 to the hopper 9 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The developing device unit of this embodiment is
Since the structure is the same as that of the developing unit 2 shown in FIG. 2, the description of the common structure will be omitted. In this embodiment, when the developing unit is removed from the apparatus main body, the agitator 6 provided in the hopper portion 9
As shown in FIG. 8A, the position where the tip portion is closer to the communication portion 10 side than directly below the shaft portion and the agitator surface is inclined (hereinafter,
Stop at the toner movement restriction position). At this position, the agitator 6 presses the toner 7 near the developing roller to the vicinity of the developing roller so as not to return to the inside of the hopper 9. (Hereinafter, margin)
【００３２】アジテータ６を上記位置で停止させる方法
を説明する。ケーシング３外部の現像器ユニット引き出
し側にアジテータ６の軸端に固設され、軸の回転に同期
して回転する回転ノブ５０を設け、回転ノブ５０の上面
にアジテータ６の周方向の位置を表す印５１を設けてい
る。更に図示の例では、アジテータ６がトナー移動規制
位置にある時にユニット引き出し側の面に設けるマーク
５２ａと合うような回転ノブ５０上面位置にマーク５２
ｂを付けている。一方、現像器ユニットの奥側では、ケ
ーシング外部にアジテータ６の軸が突出し、この軸に軸
線方向に対して垂直な突起部５３が設けられている。突
起部５３は、アジテータ６の回転にともなって軸ととも
に回転する。そして、装置本体のユニット収容部奥側
に、アジテータ６の軸部が嵌入する円形の貫通孔と、ア
ジテータ６がトナー移動規制位置にある時の突起部５３
の位置でのみこの突起部５３が前後に移動可能な長方形
の切り欠きとを有する穴５４を形成している。以上の構
成により、現像器ユニット２引き抜き時には、回転ノブ
５０を回して前記マークを合わせ、アジテータ６をトナ
ー移動規制位置で停止させた時のみしか、ユニットを本
体から引き抜けないようにしている。停止直前まで回転
してたアジテータ６はホッパー部９内のトナー７を連通
部１０近傍に寄せて停止する。ユニット２が取り出され
ている間はアジテータ６の位置を上記トナー移動規制位
置で停止させ続けることにより、トナー７を連通部１０
近傍の狭い空間に保持し、ユニット２が長手方向に傾い
ても、一端側に偏らないようにする。ここで、上記回転
ノブ５０に設けたアジテータ位置を示す印５１は省略し
ても良い。また、ユニット２を取り出す時、アジテータ
６をトナー移動規制位置停止させるためにメカ的に設計
したのに代え、電気的に設計しても良い。A method of stopping the agitator 6 at the above position will be described. A rotation knob 50 fixed to the shaft end of the agitator 6 outside the casing 3 and fixed to the shaft end of the agitator 6 and rotating in synchronization with the rotation of the shaft is provided, and the upper surface of the rotation knob 50 indicates the circumferential position of the agitator 6. A mark 51 is provided. Further, in the illustrated example, when the agitator 6 is at the toner movement restricting position, the mark 52 is provided on the upper surface of the rotary knob 50 so as to match the mark 52a provided on the surface of the unit withdrawing side.
b is attached. On the other hand, on the back side of the developing unit, the shaft of the agitator 6 projects outside the casing, and the shaft is provided with a protrusion 53 perpendicular to the axial direction. The protrusion 53 rotates with the shaft as the agitator 6 rotates. Then, a circular through hole into which the shaft portion of the agitator 6 is fitted is provided on the inner side of the unit accommodating portion of the apparatus main body, and the protrusion portion 53 when the agitator 6 is at the toner movement restriction position.
Only at this position, the projection 53 forms a hole 54 having a rectangular notch that can be moved back and forth. With the above-described configuration, when the developing device unit 2 is pulled out, the rotary knob 50 is turned to align the marks so that the unit can be pulled out from the main body only when the agitator 6 is stopped at the toner movement restricting position. The agitator 6 that has been rotating until just before the stop brings the toner 7 in the hopper 9 closer to the communicating portion 10 and stops. While the unit 2 is being taken out, the position of the agitator 6 is continuously stopped at the toner movement restricting position, so that the toner 7 is communicated with the communicating portion 10.
It is held in a narrow space in the vicinity so that the unit 2 is not biased to one end side even if the unit 2 is tilted in the longitudinal direction. Here, the mark 51 indicating the agitator position provided on the rotary knob 50 may be omitted. Further, when the unit 2 is taken out, the agitator 6 may be electrically designed instead of being mechanically designed to stop at the toner movement restricting position.
【００３３】次に、図９（ａ）〜（ｃ）を用いて本発明
の他の実施例に係るホッパー部９の構成を説明する。本
実施例では図９（ａ）に示すように、ホッパー９を囲む
ケーシングの形状を前後に長い箱状に形成し、ホッパー
９内に伸縮性のあるゴム膜６０と、ゴム膜６０を伸縮さ
せる引っ張り部材６３を設けている。ゴム膜６０は、幅
がホッパー９の長手方向の長さに等しい長方形で、その
上下の辺は、ホッパー９内の連通部１０近傍の上下面に
固設され、ホッパー９中央に長手方向の両端まで延在す
るように設けた軸６１に張架されている。このゴム膜６
０より現像ローラ４側の空間にトナーを収容するように
なっている。ホッパー内には、トナー供給方向に対する
ケーシング３の背面側の２角近傍にホッパー９の長手方
向両端部まで延在した支軸６２を設け、張架されている
ゴム膜６０の連通部１０に対する裏側の軸６１の対する
上下２か所にロープ又はシート状の引っ張り部材６３を
固設している。引っ張り部材６３は上記支軸６２に支持
されて、更にホッパー９のトナー供給方向に対するケー
シング３の背面側の上部に設けた貫通孔からその端部が
ホッパー９外部へ持ち出されている。図９（ｂ）に示す
ように、外部に持ち出された引っ張り部材６３の端部
は、ケーシング外部に形成された縦長のガイド溝６５を
上下にスライド可能に設けられた突起部６４に取り付け
られている。一方、図９（ｃ）に示すように、装置本体
の現像器ユニット収容部内壁には手前側端部には突起部
６４が上がった位置で、また奥側にはユニットが装着さ
れている時に突起部６４が下がった位置で突起部６４が
進入する溝を形成し、溝の手前側と奥側とを連結した突
起部６４が移動可能な細長いガイド溝６６を設け、突起
部６４の上下の位置決めを行っている。Next, the construction of the hopper unit 9 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the casing surrounding the hopper 9 is formed in a box shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and the elastic rubber film 60 and the rubber film 60 are expanded and contracted in the hopper 9. A pull member 63 is provided. The rubber film 60 is a rectangle whose width is equal to the length of the hopper 9 in the longitudinal direction. The upper and lower sides of the rubber film 60 are fixed to the upper and lower surfaces in the hopper 9 in the vicinity of the communicating portion 10, and both ends of the rubber film 60 in the center of the hopper 9 in the longitudinal direction. It is stretched around a shaft 61 provided so as to extend up to. This rubber film 6
Toner is stored in the space closer to the developing roller 4 than 0. Inside the hopper, support shafts 62 extending to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the hopper 9 are provided in the vicinity of two corners on the back surface side of the casing 3 with respect to the toner supply direction, and the back side of the stretched rubber film 60 with respect to the communicating portion 10 is provided. Rope or sheet-like pulling members 63 are fixedly provided at two upper and lower positions with respect to the shaft 61. The pulling member 63 is supported by the support shaft 62, and the end portion of the pulling member 63 is brought out of the hopper 9 from a through hole provided in the upper portion on the back side of the casing 3 in the toner supply direction of the hopper 9. As shown in FIG. 9 (b), the end of the pulling member 63 brought out to the outside is attached to a protrusion 64 that is vertically slidable in a vertically long guide groove 65 formed outside the casing. There is. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9C, when the projecting portion 64 is raised to the front end of the inner wall of the developing device unit accommodating portion of the apparatus main body, and when the unit is mounted to the rear side. A groove into which the protrusion 64 enters is formed at a position where the protrusion 64 is lowered, and an elongated guide groove 66 that allows the protrusion 64 that connects the front side and the back side of the groove to move is provided. Positioning is in progress.
【００３４】ユニット２が装置本体に装着されている状
態では、上記突起部６４が本体側の溝６６に支持され
て、ガイド溝６５の下部に位置し、引っ張り部材６３を
ホッパー外部に引き出している。そのため、ホッパー９
内では、引っ張り部材６３がゴム膜６０を引き延ばし、
ゴム膜６０によるトナー収容部を拡張している。ユニッ
ト２を装置本体から引き出す時、突起部６４が本体側の
溝６６に支持されて上昇し、引っ張り部材６３がホッパ
ー内部に戻されるため、ゴム膜６０が収縮し、トナーを
現像ローラ４側に押さえ込む。そして、再びユニットが
装置本体に収容されるまで、ゴム膜の収縮力によってト
ナー収容部の収縮状態は継続される。以上の構成によっ
て、ユニット２が装置本体から取り外されている時、ト
ナー７を連通部１０近傍の狭い空間に押さえ込み、ユニ
ット２が長手方向に傾いても、一端側に偏らないように
する。When the unit 2 is mounted on the main body of the apparatus, the protrusion 64 is supported by the groove 66 on the main body side, is located under the guide groove 65, and pulls out the pulling member 63 to the outside of the hopper. . Therefore, the hopper 9
Inside, the pulling member 63 extends the rubber film 60,
The toner storage portion formed by the rubber film 60 is expanded. When the unit 2 is pulled out from the apparatus main body, the protrusion 64 is supported by the groove 66 on the main body side and ascends, and the pulling member 63 is returned to the inside of the hopper, so that the rubber film 60 contracts and the toner is transferred to the developing roller 4 side. Hold down. Then, the contracted state of the toner container is continued by the contracting force of the rubber film until the unit is housed in the apparatus body again. With the above configuration, when the unit 2 is removed from the apparatus main body, the toner 7 is pressed into a narrow space near the communicating portion 10 so that the unit 2 is not biased toward the one end side even if the unit 2 is tilted in the longitudinal direction.
【００３５】本実施例では、表面が誘電体部及び導電体
部で構成された現像ローラ４を備えた、非磁性一成分系
現像剤を用いる現像装置の例で説明したが、本発明は、
磁性一成分系現像剤を用いる現像装置等にも同様に適用
できる。In the present embodiment, an example of a developing device using a non-magnetic one-component developer having a developing roller 4 whose surface is composed of a dielectric portion and a conductor portion has been described.
The same can be applied to a developing device using a magnetic one-component developer.
【００３６】[0036]
【発明の効果】請求項１乃至３の現像装置によれば、画
像形成装置本体から取り出した状態で、該現像剤担持体
の近傍の現像剤が、現像装置の傾斜などによって現像剤
収容部の内部に向けて移動するのを現像剤移動規制手段
で規制することで、取り出し前の画像形成装置本体内装
着状態のときに、現像剤担持体近傍に存在していた現像
剤が、取り出し状態で現像装置が傾斜しても、現像剤収
容部の内部に移動することなく、現像剤担持体近傍の比
較的狭い空間に保持されるようにするので、その後に画
像形成装置本体に装着した直後にも、現像剤担持体近傍
での現像剤の偏りが従来より少ない。よって、すぐに現
像装置を作動させても、現像剤の飛散が起きず、また形
成画像上の濃度ムラが生じず良好な画像を得ることがで
きるという効果がある。According to the developing device of the first to third aspects, the developer in the vicinity of the developer carrying member is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus by the inclination of the developing device or the like in the developer accommodating portion. By restricting the movement toward the inside by the developer movement restricting means, the developer existing in the vicinity of the developer carrier in the mounted state inside the image forming apparatus main body before being taken out is not taken out. Even if the developing device is tilted, it is held in a relatively narrow space near the developer carrier without moving to the inside of the developer container. However, the bias of the developer in the vicinity of the developer carrier is smaller than in the conventional case. Therefore, even if the developing device is immediately operated, the developer does not scatter, and the density unevenness on the formed image does not occur, so that a good image can be obtained.
【００３７】請求項４の現像装置によれば、画像形成装
置本体から現像装置を取り出した状態で、現像剤担持体
との距離可変になるように構成した現像剤収容部におけ
る現像剤担持体から遠い側の側壁部分で、装置内の現像
剤を現像剤担持体近傍に押し集めた状態を維持し、取り
出し状態で現像装置が傾斜しても、現像剤収容部の内部
に移動することなく、現像剤担持体近傍の比較的狭い空
間に保持されるようにするので、その後に画像形成装置
本体に装着した直後にも、現像剤担持体近傍での現像剤
の偏りが従来より少ない。よって、すぐに現像装置を作
動させても、現像剤の飛散が起きず、また形成画像上の
濃度ムラが生じず良好な画像を得ることができるという
効果がある。According to the developing device of the fourth aspect, when the developing device is taken out of the main body of the image forming apparatus, the distance from the developer carrying member to the developer carrying member is variable. At the side wall portion on the far side, the state where the developer in the apparatus is gathered in the vicinity of the developer carrier is maintained, and even if the developing apparatus is tilted in the taken-out state, it does not move into the developer accommodating portion, Since the toner is held in a relatively narrow space near the developer carrying member, the bias of the developer near the developer carrying member is smaller than before even immediately after the mounting on the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, even if the developing device is immediately operated, the developer does not scatter, and the density unevenness on the formed image does not occur, so that a good image can be obtained.
【図１】現像器ユニットの装置本体からの引き出し操作
の説明図。FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an operation of pulling out a developing device unit from an apparatus main body.
【図２】実施例に係る電子写真複写機の現像装置の概略
構成を示す正面図。FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a developing device of the electrophotographic copying machine according to the embodiment.
【図３】従来の不具合の説明図。FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional defect.
【図４】（ａ）は本発明の実施例に係るシャッターを有
する現像器ユニットの説明図。（ｂ）は同シャッターの
開閉機構の説明図。FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of a developing device unit having a shutter according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) is explanatory drawing of the opening / closing mechanism of the same shutter.
【図５】（ａ）は同変形例に係るシャッターを有する現
像器ユニットの説明図。（ｂ）は現像器ユニット装着時
におけるシャッターの開状態の説明図。（ｃ）は現像器
ユニット離脱時におけるシャッターの閉状態の説明図。
（ｄ）は同シャッターの開閉機構の説明図。FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of a developing device unit having a shutter according to the modified example. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of an open state of the shutter when the developing device unit is attached. FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram of a closed state of the shutter when the developing device unit is detached.
(D) is explanatory drawing of the opening / closing mechanism of the same shutter.
【図６】（ａ）は同変形例に係るシャッターを有する現
像器ユニットの説明図。（ｂ）は現像器ユニットを幅方
向に傾けた場合における、トナーの現像ローラ側への押
し込み状態の説明図。（ｃ）は現像器ユニット装着直後
のユニット内部の状態の説明図。FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a developing device unit having a shutter according to the modified example. FIG. 6B is an explanatory view of a state in which toner is pushed into the developing roller side when the developing device unit is tilted in the width direction. (C) is an explanatory view of a state inside the unit immediately after the developing unit is attached.
【図７】（ａ）は図６におけるシャッターの閉状態の斜
視図。（ｂ）は同シャッターの開状態の斜視図。7A is a perspective view of the shutter in the closed state in FIG. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the shutter in an open state.
【図８】（ａ）は本発明の他の実施例に係る現像器ユニ
ット離脱時におけるアジテータ停止位置の説明図。
（ｂ）及び（ｃ）は同アジテータの位置決め機構の説明
図。FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of an agitator stop position when the developing device unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is detached.
(B) And (c) is explanatory drawing of the positioning mechanism of the same agitator.
【図９】（ａ）は本発明の他の実施例に係る収縮可能な
トナー収容部の説明図。（ｂ）及び（ｃ）はホッパー内
のトナー収容部の収縮機構の説明図。FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a contractible toner storage portion according to another embodiment of the present invention. (B) And (c) is explanatory drawing of the contraction mechanism of the toner storage part in a hopper.
１ 感光体ドラム ２ 現像器ユニット ３ ケーシング ４ 現像ローラ ５ トナー供給ローラ ６ アジテータ ７ トナー ９ ホッパー部 １０ 連通部 ２０，３０，４０ シャッター ６０ ゴム膜 ６２ 支軸 ６３ 引っ張り部材 ６５ ガイド溝 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor drum 2 Developing unit 3 Casing 4 Developing roller 5 Toner supply roller 6 Agitator 7 Toner 9 Hopper part 10 Communication part 20,30,40 Shutter 60 Rubber film 62 Spindle 63 Pull member 65 Guide groove
Claims (4)
を担持して搬送するように駆動される現像剤担持体を備
え、該現像剤担持体に供給される現像剤を収容する現像
剤収容部が形成され、かつ、画像形成装置本体に対して
脱着可能に構成された現像装置において、 画像形成装置本体から取り出した状態で、該現像剤担持
体の近傍の現像剤が、該現像剤収容部の内部に向けて移
動するのを規制する現像剤移動規制手段を設けたことを
特徴とする現像装置。1. A developer carrier which is driven to carry and convey a developer to a latent image carrier or another developing carrier, and accommodates the developer supplied to the developer carrier. In a developing device in which a developer accommodating portion is formed and which is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, the developer in the vicinity of the developer carrier is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body. A developing device provided with a developer movement restricting means for restricting movement toward the inside of the developer accommodating portion.
間での現像剤の移動を規制する位置と、該移動を許容す
る位置とを選択的に取り得るよう、該近傍と該内部との
間に移動可能に設けられた現像剤移動規制部材と、 両位置それぞれで該現像剤移動規制部材を位置決めする
位置決め手段とで、上記現像剤移動規制手段を構成した
ことを特徴とする現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a position for restricting the movement of the developer between the vicinity of the developer carrier and the inside of the developer accommodating portion, and a position for allowing the movement. In order to selectively take the developer, the developer movement restricting member movably provided between the vicinity and the inside, and the positioning means for positioning the developer movement restricting member at both positions, A developing device, characterized in that it comprises a means for regulating the agent movement.
いる現像剤を撹拌するように上記現像剤収容部内で移動
駆動される、該現像剤収容部内の幅方向に延在する現像
剤撹拌部材を設け、 該現像剤撹拌部材と、上記現像剤担持体の近傍の現像剤
が、該現像剤収容部内における該現像剤担持体から遠い
側に向けて移動するのを規制し得る移動位置に、該現像
剤撹拌部材を停止せしめる位置決め手段とで、上記現像
剤移動規制手段を構成したことを特徴とする現像装置。3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer agitating is moved in the developer accommodating portion so as to agitate the developer accommodating therein and extending in a width direction in the developer accommodating portion. A member is provided, and the developer stirring member and the developer in the vicinity of the developer carrying member are located at a moving position where it can be restricted from moving toward the side farther from the developer carrying member in the developer containing portion. A developing device characterized in that the developer movement regulating means is constituted by a positioning means for stopping the developer stirring member.
を担持して搬送するように駆動される現像剤担持体を備
え、該現像剤担持体に供給される現像剤を収容する現像
剤収容部が形成され、かつ、画像形成装置本体に対して
脱着可能に構成された現像装置において、 該現像剤担持体から遠い側の側壁部分が、該現像剤担持
体との距離可変になるように該現像剤収容部を構成し、 画像形成装置本体から取り出した状態で、該距離が、画
像形成装置本体に装着されている状態における該距離よ
りも小さくなるように、該側壁部分を移動させる収容部
側壁部分移動手段を設けたことを特徴とする現像装置。4. A developer carrier which is driven to carry and convey a developer to a latent image carrier or another developing carrier, and accommodates the developer supplied to the developer carrier. In a developing device in which a developer accommodating portion is formed and which is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, a side wall portion far from the developer carrying member has a variable distance from the developer carrying member. The side wall portion is configured such that the distance is smaller than the distance in the state of being attached to the image forming apparatus main body when the developer containing portion is configured to be A developing device, characterized in that a side wall part moving means for moving the container is provided.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7061761A JPH08234569A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1995-02-24 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7061761A JPH08234569A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1995-02-24 | Developing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH08234569A true JPH08234569A (en) | 1996-09-13 |
Family
ID=13180459
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7061761A Withdrawn JPH08234569A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1995-02-24 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH08234569A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6925274B2 (en) * | 2001-03-29 | 2005-08-02 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device capable of preventing toner inside developing chamber from entering hopper |
| JP2008083516A (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-10 | Brother Ind Ltd | Image forming apparatus and developer storage box |
-
1995
- 1995-02-24 JP JP7061761A patent/JPH08234569A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6925274B2 (en) * | 2001-03-29 | 2005-08-02 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device capable of preventing toner inside developing chamber from entering hopper |
| JP2008083516A (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-10 | Brother Ind Ltd | Image forming apparatus and developer storage box |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP3364632B2 (en) | Toner supply device | |
| JP3044997B2 (en) | Developing device in image forming apparatus | |
| EP1184742B1 (en) | Image forming apparatus and developer supply container removably mountable in image forming apparatus | |
| JP2887046B2 (en) | Toner replenishing device and toner cartridge used for it | |
| US5802431A (en) | Collapsible toner container | |
| EP1403736B1 (en) | Recycling method for a developer supply container | |
| US5832343A (en) | Toner supply method, toner accommodation container, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus | |
| US5655181A (en) | Toner accommodation container, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus | |
| JP3545779B2 (en) | Image forming device | |
| US5612770A (en) | Developing device with partition member of varying length | |
| JP4585670B2 (en) | Developing device, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same | |
| JP2002311696A (en) | Image forming device | |
| JP2994974B2 (en) | Developing device | |
| JPH08234569A (en) | Developing device | |
| JP2003015418A (en) | Developing device, developing cartridge and process cartridge | |
| JPH09106160A (en) | Toner replenishment device | |
| JPS6047588B2 (en) | developing device | |
| JPH04186267A (en) | Developing device | |
| JPH0342446Y2 (en) | ||
| JP3186440B2 (en) | Image forming device | |
| JP2024057526A (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus | |
| JPH07175398A (en) | Toner cartridge, toner replenishment mechanism, toner replenishment method and image forming device | |
| JPH0619310A (en) | Toner supply device | |
| JPH09185250A (en) | Image forming device | |
| JPS5822182Y2 (en) | Toner supply cartridge for electrostatic latent image developing device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A300 | Withdrawal of application because of no request for examination |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A300 Effective date: 20020507 |