JPH10254247A - Liquid developing method - Google Patents

Liquid developing method

Info

Publication number
JPH10254247A
JPH10254247A JP5736797A JP5736797A JPH10254247A JP H10254247 A JPH10254247 A JP H10254247A JP 5736797 A JP5736797 A JP 5736797A JP 5736797 A JP5736797 A JP 5736797A JP H10254247 A JPH10254247 A JP H10254247A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
developing
development
recording
liquid
developer
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
Application number
JP5736797A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Junichi Matsuno
順一 松野
Shogo Matsumoto
章吾 松本
Akira Mori
章 森
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hitachi Ltd
Original Assignee
Hitachi Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hitachi Ltd filed Critical Hitachi Ltd
Priority to JP5736797A priority Critical patent/JPH10254247A/en
Priority to DE69818125T priority patent/DE69818125T2/en
Priority to EP98102916A priority patent/EP0864934B1/en
Priority to US09/027,220 priority patent/US6069641A/en
Priority to AU56259/98A priority patent/AU705404B2/en
Priority to KR1019980005897A priority patent/KR100305438B1/en
Priority to CN98105345A priority patent/CN1191997A/en
Publication of JPH10254247A publication Critical patent/JPH10254247A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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  • Wet Developing In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Cleaning In Electrography (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a high reliable development without the leakage of a developer, and to obtain a recording system suitable for an ion flow record, by attaining a liquid development method capable of using fine grain toner, in both faceup and facedown directions. SOLUTION: An ion flow head 13 positioned to face a counter electrode 24 across a carrying belt 6 and a recording paper 1 starts the recording of an electrostatic latent image in accordance with an image signal of a first color, when the recording paper 1 reaches a record starting position. A yellow developing unit 14 comes down to attain development for yellow and then, goes up and the carrying belt 6 is fed in an opposite direction, to start the formation of the electrostatic latent image, in accordance with an image signal of a second color. A magenta developing unit 16 comes down to attain the development. Then, in recording for a third color, the liquid developing units of two colors are turned by 180 deg. and a cyan developing unit 15 is set to face downward, for attaining the development for cyan. Thus, high reliable facedown development is attained, restrictions such as the noninclination of a device and the necessity of frequent maintenance is eliminated and further, a stirring device is dispensed with.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、静電記録装置に係
り、静電潜像の現像に液体現像を用いて微粒子トナーに
よる忠実な現像を行い、高画質な画像を得るもので、液
漏れが無く、高価な現像液循環系を持たない高信頼の液
体現像方法に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrostatic recording apparatus, in which a high-quality image is obtained by performing faithful development with fine particle toner using liquid development for developing an electrostatic latent image. The present invention relates to a highly reliable liquid developing method that does not have an expensive developer circulating system.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来の装置は、特開平４−１０７０５８
号公報に記載のように、イオンの通過を制御するイオン
フローヘッドによりドラム上に静電潜像が形成され、そ
の後液体現像されるもので、現像ローラの一部が現像液
に接触することで現像液の表面張力で現像ローラ上に現
像液の薄い膜を形成して記録する構成になっていた。2. Description of the Related Art A conventional apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
The electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum by an ion flow head that controls the passage of ions, and then liquid development is performed. The recording is performed by forming a thin film of the developing solution on the developing roller by the surface tension of the developing solution.

【０００３】他の従来の装置は、特開平５−２９７７４
６号公報に記載のように、イオンの通過を制御するイオ
ンフローヘッドによりドラム上に静電潜像が形成され、
その後液体現像されるもので、該記録を面順次に４色繰
り返すことで、カラー記録を行う。各色現像器は、上向
きに４色の現像器が横一列に配置され、移動することで
順次各色の現像を行う構成になっていた。Another conventional apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-29774.
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a drum by an ion flow head that controls the passage of ions,
Thereafter, liquid development is performed, and color recording is performed by repeating the recording four colors in a plane sequence. Each color developing device has a configuration in which four color developing devices are arranged in a row in an upward direction, and sequentially develop each color by moving.

【０００４】他の従来の装置は、特開昭５５−１６４８
５１号公報に記載のように、感光体ドラム上に形成され
た静電潜像に液体現像するもので、現像ローラが多孔質
弾性体からなり、現像ローラの一部が現像液に接触する
ことで現像液の表面張力で現像ローラ上に現像液の薄い
膜を形成して記録する構成になっていた。Another conventional apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-1648.
As described in JP-A-51, liquid development is performed on an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum, and a developing roller is made of a porous elastic material, and a part of the developing roller comes into contact with a developing solution. Thus, a thin film of the developing solution is formed on the developing roller by the surface tension of the developing solution and recording is performed.

【０００５】他の従来の装置は、特開平５−２０４２５
２号公報に記載のように、静電潜像を形成した影像保持
ベルトに現像液を保持したベルトアプリケータを接近さ
せて、該静電潜像を現像する構成になっていた。[0005] Another conventional apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-20425.
As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2 (1993) -207, a belt applicator holding a developing solution is brought close to the image holding belt on which an electrostatic latent image has been formed to develop the electrostatic latent image.

【０００６】[0006]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記従来技術は、ドラ
ム、ベルト状の電荷保持媒体に静電潜像を形成して、該
静電潜像を液体現像器で現像する場合に、現像液が漏れ
ないように上向きかまたは横向きで現像をする構成とな
っていたため、電荷保持記録紙に直接下向きに現像する
ことができない、また装置を傾けられないなどの制約が
あり、さらに現像液の沈殿や凝集を避けるために撹拌装
置や循環装置が必要であったため、広く普及するには至
らなかった。According to the above prior art, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a drum or belt-shaped charge holding medium and the electrostatic latent image is developed by a liquid developing device. The configuration was such that development was performed upward or sideways so as not to leak.Therefore, there was a restriction that development could not be performed directly downward on the charge-retaining recording paper, and the device could not be tilted. Since a stirrer and a circulation device were required to avoid agglomeration, it was not widely used.

【０００７】本発明は、このような問題点を解決する静
電記録装置を提供することを目的とする。[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic recording apparatus which solves such a problem.

【０００８】[0008]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、現像液のタンクと現像ローラとの間に設けた現像液
を現像ローラに塗布するための配管、または配管と現像
液のタンクの接合部に制御弁を設け、現像面が１８０°
反対向きに２色の液体現像器を構成し、該２色の液体現
像器を１８０°回転可能に支持して選択的に記録媒体に
接近させて現像する構成にした。In order to achieve the above object, a pipe provided between a developer tank and a developing roller for applying a developer to the developing roller, or a pipe and a tank for the developer are provided. A control valve is provided at the joint, and the development surface is 180 °
A two-color liquid developing device was configured in the opposite direction, and the two-color liquid developing device was rotatably supported by 180 ° to selectively approach a recording medium for development.

【０００９】現像液のタンクと現像ローラとの間に設け
た現像液を現像ローラに塗布するための配管にフルオロ
アルキルシランの塗膜を形成したことにより、現像ロー
ラを回転することで現像ローラ上に残った現像液と配管
に残った現像液を容易に除去可能な構成にした。By forming a coating film of fluoroalkylsilane on a pipe for applying the developing solution provided between the developing solution tank and the developing roller to the developing roller, the developing roller is rotated to rotate the developing roller on the developing roller. And the developer remaining in the piping was easily removed.

【００１０】記録媒体をエンドレスベルトにより往復搬
送させて、静電潜像を下向きの現像器で現像する構成に
した。The recording medium is reciprocated by an endless belt, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by a downward developing device.

【００１１】現像液のタンクと現像ローラとの間に設け
た現像液を現像ローラに塗布するための配管、または配
管と現像液のタンクの接合部に制御弁を設けたことによ
り、該制御弁が閉じている状態では現像液のタンクから
配管を通じて現像液が漏れることは無い。A control valve is provided at a pipe provided between the developer tank and the developing roller for applying the developer to the developing roller, or at a junction between the pipe and the developer tank. When the is closed, the developer does not leak from the developer tank through the pipe.

【００１２】現像面が１８０°反対向きに２色の液体現
像器を構成したことにより、該２色の液体現像器を１８
０°回転可能に支持して選択的に記録媒体に接近させて
現像するため、現像液のタンク中での現像液の沈殿や凝
集が発生しても、現像器を回転することで現像液中のト
ナーが再分散し、現像可能になる。Since the two-color liquid developing devices are configured such that the developing surfaces are 180 ° opposite to each other, the two-color liquid developing devices can
Since the developer is supported rotatably at 0 ° and is selectively brought closer to the recording medium for development, even if the developer precipitates or agglomerates in the developer tank, the developer is rotated to rotate the developer. Is redispersed and becomes developable.

【００１３】また、現像終了後に現像ローラ上と配管に
残った現像液は、現像器を１８０°回転しながら現像ロ
ーラを回転することで、現像ローラ上に残った現像液は
ブレードにより配管に回収し、その後、現像面が上向き
になると制御弁を開いて配管内に残った現像液を回収す
る。この時、配管内にフルオロアルキルシランの塗膜を
形成したことにより、現像液と配管との接触角度が大き
く、現像液を容易に、かつ完全に除去可能になる。The developer remaining on the developing roller and in the pipe after the development is completed is rotated by rotating the developing roller while rotating the developing device by 180 °, so that the developer remaining on the developing roller is collected in the pipe by a blade. Thereafter, when the developing surface is directed upward, the control valve is opened to collect the developer remaining in the pipe. At this time, by forming a coating film of fluoroalkylsilane in the pipe, the contact angle between the developer and the pipe is large, and the developer can be easily and completely removed.

【００１４】このような現像器により、静電潜像を下向
きの現像器で現像する構成にすることができ、容易に高
精度に記録媒体をエンドレスベルトにより往復搬送させ
て高画質記録が可能になった。With such a developing device, the electrostatic latent image can be developed by the downward developing device, so that the recording medium can be easily reciprocated and transported with high accuracy by an endless belt, thereby enabling high-quality recording. became.

【００１５】[0015]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の一実施例を図１〜
７により説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.
7 will be described.

【００１６】本発明の記録装置の一実施例を、図１に示
す。記録紙１をホッパ２に入れて、記録開始指令を待
つ。コンピュータ２３から出力される記録開始指令によ
り、給紙ローラ４が回転して記録紙１の分離給送を始め
る。次に、記録紙１が記録に適合した紙種かどうかを、
例えば記録紙１の裏面に印刷したマークを光学式反射型
センサー３により検出して制御装置２２で判断する。光
学式反射型センサー３は、記録紙１の決められた非画像
領域にマーキングされたマークを読み取る。また、該判
別を静電容量型センサーで行うことは、記録紙の記録表
面では静電容量差が顕著であるため可能である。FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention. The recording paper 1 is put into the hopper 2 and a recording start command is waited. In response to a recording start command output from the computer 23, the paper feed roller 4 rotates to start separation and feeding of the recording paper 1. Next, it is determined whether the recording paper 1 is a paper type suitable for the recording.
For example, a mark printed on the back surface of the recording paper 1 is detected by the optical reflection type sensor 3 and is determined by the control device 22. The optical reflection type sensor 3 reads a mark marked on a predetermined non-image area of the recording paper 1. In addition, it is possible to perform the discrimination with a capacitance type sensor because the capacitance difference is remarkable on the recording surface of the recording paper.

【００１７】記録紙１は搬送ベルト６と従動の第一押圧
ローラ５で挟持され、記録プロセス速度より高速の搬送
速度で記録開始位置まで送られる。なお、記録紙１が搬
送ベルト６と第一押圧ローラ５で挟持されると、記録紙
１は給紙ローラ４から開放される分離とし、搬送ベルト
６と第一押圧ローラ５の搬送負荷の低減を行う。The recording paper 1 is nipped by a conveyor belt 6 and a driven first pressing roller 5, and is fed to a recording start position at a transportation speed higher than the recording process speed. When the recording paper 1 is nipped between the transport belt 6 and the first pressing roller 5, the recording paper 1 is separated from the paper feeding roller 4 so as to reduce the transport load of the transport belt 6 and the first pressing roller 5. I do.

【００１８】搬送ベルト６上の記録紙は、イオンフロー
ヘッド１３の記録開始位置に搬送され、ここで、静電潜
像が形成される。イオンフローヘッド１３には、画像デ
ータを有するコンピュータ２３から送信された制御信号
に基づいて、階調制御ができるように画素毎の電荷量が
制御され、記録紙上に画像データに対応した静電潜像が
形成される。The recording paper on the transport belt 6 is transported to a recording start position of the ion flow head 13, where an electrostatic latent image is formed. The charge amount of each pixel is controlled in the ion flow head 13 based on a control signal transmitted from the computer 23 having image data so that gradation control can be performed. An image is formed.

【００１９】搬送ベルト６と記録紙１を介して、対抗電
極２４に対向して位置決めしたイオンフローヘッド１３
は、記録紙１が図には記していない記録開始位置に到達
すると、第一色目の画像信号に対応して、記録紙１に静
電潜像の記録を開始する。例えば、記録開始位置は記録
紙１の先端がイオンフローヘッド１３を通過した直後と
する。該位置決めは、光学式反射型センサー３からの紙
送り量で行うことも、図には記載していないが、イオン
フローヘッド１３の近傍に光学式反射型センサーを設け
て行うこともできる。この場合、第１色目の現像は現像
器１４で行う。または、記録紙１の後端がイオンフロー
ヘッド１３を通過する直前を記録開始位置とすることも
可能である。この場合は、第１色目の現像は現像器１６
で行う。The ion flow head 13 positioned so as to face the counter electrode 24 via the transport belt 6 and the recording paper 1.
Starts recording of an electrostatic latent image on the recording sheet 1 in response to the image signal of the first color when the recording sheet 1 reaches a recording start position not shown. For example, the recording start position is immediately after the leading end of the recording paper 1 has passed the ion flow head 13. The positioning can be performed based on the paper feed amount from the optical reflective sensor 3 or, although not shown, an optical reflective sensor can be provided near the ion flow head 13. In this case, the development of the first color is performed by the developing device 14. Alternatively, it is also possible to set the recording start position immediately before the rear end of the recording paper 1 passes through the ion flow head 13. In this case, the development of the first color is performed by the developing device 16.
Do with.

【００２０】記録紙１に静電潜像の記録を開始すると、
例えばイエローから記録を行う場合、イエロー現像器１
４は記録紙１とのギャップを規定するために下降して、
イエローの現像を開始する。または、現像ギャップステ
ーＡ１１が上昇して、装置の側板２１に固定したイエロ
ー現像器１４と記録紙１とのギャップを規定して、イエ
ローの現像を開始する。When the recording of the electrostatic latent image on the recording paper 1 is started,
For example, when recording from yellow, the yellow developing device 1
4 is lowered to define the gap with the recording paper 1,
Start yellow development. Alternatively, the developing gap stay A11 rises to define the gap between the yellow developing device 14 fixed to the side plate 21 of the apparatus and the recording paper 1, and starts developing yellow.

【００２１】記録紙１の１色分の静電潜像の形成と現像
が終了すると、記録紙１は加熱手段１８まで搬送ベルト
６と第二押圧ローラ１２により搬送され、記録紙１上の
トナー像が強固に定着される。When the formation and development of the electrostatic latent image for one color on the recording paper 1 are completed, the recording paper 1 is transported to the heating means 18 by the transport belt 6 and the second pressing roller 12, and the toner on the recording paper 1 The image is firmly fixed.

【００２２】その後、イエロー現像器１４を上昇させる
か、現像ギャップステーＡ１１を下降させて、搬送ベル
ト６を逆方向に送くり、２色目の静電潜像の形成を開始
する位置まで記録紙１を搬送する。該静電潜像の形成開
始位置は、記録方向において記録紙１の先端がイオンフ
ローヘッド１３を通過するまで記録紙１を搬送する。次
に、第二色目の画像信号に対応して、記録紙１に静電潜
像の記録を開始する。記録紙１がマゼンタ現像器１６に
到達すると、マゼンタ現像器１６を下降させて記録紙１
とのギャップを規定するか、現像ギャップステーＢ1０
を上昇させて記録紙１とのギャップを規定するかして、
マゼンタの現像を開始する。記録紙１の２色分の静電潜
像の形成と現像が終了すると、記録紙１は加熱手段１９
まで搬送され、記録紙１上のトナー像が強固に定着され
る。Thereafter, the yellow developing unit 14 is raised or the developing gap stay A11 is lowered to feed the conveyor belt 6 in the reverse direction, and the recording paper 1 is moved to a position where the formation of the second color electrostatic latent image is started. Is transported. At the position where the formation of the electrostatic latent image is started, the recording paper 1 is transported until the leading end of the recording paper 1 passes through the ion flow head 13 in the recording direction. Next, recording of the electrostatic latent image on the recording paper 1 is started in accordance with the image signal of the second color. When the recording paper 1 reaches the magenta developing device 16, the magenta developing device 16 is lowered to
Or the developing gap stay B10
To define the gap with the recording paper 1,
Start magenta development. When the formation and development of the electrostatic latent images for the two colors on the recording paper 1 are completed, the recording paper 1 is heated by the heating means 19.
And the toner image on the recording paper 1 is firmly fixed.

【００２３】第三色目の記録プロセスの説明の前に、現
像器の構造と現像方法の説明を行う。 シアン現像器１
５とイエロー現像器１４、及びマゼンタ現像器１６とブ
ラックの現像器１７を各々現像面が１８０°反対向きに
連結して構成する場合を考える。もちろん、各色別の現
像器が独立して構成されてもよい。Before describing the recording process for the third color, the structure of the developing device and the developing method will be described. Cyan developing unit 1
5 and a yellow developing unit 14, and a magenta developing unit 16 and a black developing unit 17 are connected to each other so that their developing surfaces are connected in opposite directions by 180 °. Of course, the developing units for each color may be configured independently.

【００２４】図２に現像器の断面図を示す。FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the developing device.

【００２５】２色の液体現像器は、例えばイエロー現像
液タンク１０１とシアン現像液タンク１１０の背面が向
い合うように配置すると共に、イエロー現像ローラ１０
７、イエロー現像器ベース１０６の一部に設けられたイ
エロー配管１０４、イエロー現像ローラ１０７に１部が
近接又は接触するように設けられたイエローブレド１０
５と、シアン現像ローラ１１６、シアン現像器ベース１
１５の一部に設けられたシアン配管１１３、シアン現像
ローラ１１６に１部が近接又は接触するように設けられ
たシアンブレ−ド１１４、及びシアン現像液タンク１１
０とシアン配管１１３の間には、シアン制御弁１１１が
設けられている。図のように２色の液体現像器の回転軸
１００を基に点対象に配置し、回転軸１００を中心に外
接円１１９で液体現像器を回転可能な構造とした。マゼ
ンタ現像器１６とブラック現像器１７は回転軸１２０を
中心として、外接円１２３の軌跡のように回転する。The two-color liquid developing units are arranged, for example, so that the back surfaces of the yellow developing solution tank 101 and the cyan developing solution tank 110 face each other.
7, a yellow blade 10 provided so that a part thereof is close to or in contact with a yellow pipe 104 and a yellow developing roller 107 provided in a part of a yellow developing device base 106.
5, cyan developing roller 116, cyan developing device base 1
15, a cyan blade 114 provided so that a part thereof is close to or in contact with the cyan developing roller 116, and a cyan developer tank 11.
A cyan control valve 111 is provided between 0 and the cyan pipe 113. As shown in the figure, the liquid developing devices of two colors are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis 100, and the liquid development device can be rotated around the rotation axis 100 by a circumscribed circle 119. The magenta developing device 16 and the black developing device 17 rotate about a rotation axis 120 as a locus of a circumscribed circle 123.

【００２６】イエロー現像液のタンク１０１とイエロー
現像ローラ１０７との間に設けたイエロー現像液をイエ
ロー現像ローラ１０７に塗布するためのイエロー配管１
０４、またはイエロー配管１０４とイエロー現像液タン
ク１０１の接合部にイエロー制御弁１０２を設ける。イ
エロー制御弁１０２は、該制御弁のイエローアクチュエ
ータ１０３により開閉する。A yellow pipe 1 for applying the yellow developing solution provided between the yellow developing solution tank 101 and the yellow developing roller 107 to the yellow developing roller 107.
04, or a yellow control valve 102 is provided at the junction between the yellow pipe 104 and the yellow developer tank 101. The yellow control valve 102 is opened and closed by a yellow actuator 103 of the control valve.

【００２７】制御弁の一構成例を図３示す。図３はシア
ン現像器１５について示したものである。シアン制御弁
１１１をバルブ軸１３８に取付け、バルブ軸１３８をバ
ルブ軸受１３６に回転自由に支持する。そして、バルブ
軸１３８にバルブ歯車１３７を取付け、駆動源から駆動
力を伝達する。シアン制御弁１１１は、半月状にその一
部を削除しており、該削除した部分がシアン配管１１３
に現像液の流路をつくる場合、現像器が下向きの時、現
像液はシアン現像ローラ１１６に供給される。このシア
ン制御弁１１１は、例えばシアン現像液がシアン配管１
１３に１頁分供給されると閉じるように制御される。他
の色の場合も同様である。なお、使用する現像液の量
は、予め記録する情報量で決定される。すなわち、コン
ピュータ２３から送られて来た画像情報か、記録媒体上
に形成した静電潜像から決定しても良い。FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the control valve. FIG. 3 shows the cyan developing device 15. The cyan control valve 111 is mounted on a valve shaft 138, and the valve shaft 138 is rotatably supported on a valve bearing 136. Then, a valve gear 137 is attached to the valve shaft 138 to transmit a driving force from a driving source. A part of the cyan control valve 111 is deleted in a half-moon shape, and the deleted part is a cyan pipe 113.
In the case where the developing solution flow path is formed, the developing solution is supplied to the cyan developing roller 116 when the developing device faces downward. The cyan control valve 111 is provided, for example, when the cyan developer is supplied to the cyan pipe 1.
13 is controlled to close when one page is supplied. The same applies to other colors. The amount of developer used is determined in advance by the amount of information to be recorded. That is, the determination may be made from the image information sent from the computer 23 or the electrostatic latent image formed on the recording medium.

【００２８】イエロー現像終了後、現像器を１８０°回
転してイエロー制御弁１０２を開放し、イエロー現像ロ
ーラ１０７を回転してイエロー現像ローラ１０７上に残
った現像液をイエローブレード１０５により配管に回収
する。そして、配管に残った現像液は、イエロー制御弁
１０２を開放しているため、イエロー現像液タンク１０
１に現像液が回収される。この時、例えば配管内にフル
オロアルキルシランの塗膜を形成することにより、現像
液と配管との接触角度が大きくなり、現像液を容易に、
かつ完全に現像タンク内に回収可能にすることができ
る。After completion of the yellow development, the developing device is rotated by 180 ° to open the yellow control valve 102, the yellow developing roller 107 is rotated, and the developing solution remaining on the yellow developing roller 107 is collected by a yellow blade 105 into a pipe. I do. Then, the developer remaining in the pipe opens the yellow control valve 102, so that the yellow developer tank 10
The developer is collected in 1. At this time, for example, by forming a coating film of fluoroalkylsilane in the pipe, the contact angle between the developer and the pipe increases, and the developer is easily
In addition, it can be completely collected in the developing tank.

【００２９】この時、２色の現像器が上下逆様になるた
め、現像液のタンク中での現像液の沈殿や凝集が長期保
存した状態で発生しても、現像器を回転することで現像
液中のトナーが再分散し、現像可能になる。At this time, since the two-color developing device is turned upside down, even if precipitation or aggregation of the developing solution in the developing solution tank occurs in a state stored for a long period of time, the developing device is rotated to rotate. The toner in the developer is redispersed, and development becomes possible.

【００３０】記録完了後の現像器は、制御弁により現像
液は現像タンク内に密閉されるため、現像液の漏れや溶
媒の揮発による現像液の濃度変化は発生しない。After the recording is completed, the developing device is sealed in the developing tank by the control valve, so that the developing solution does not leak and the concentration of the developing solution does not change due to evaporation of the solvent.

【００３１】このような現像器により、静電潜像を下向
きの現像器で現像する構成にすることができ、容易に高
精度に記録媒体をエンドレスベルトにより往復搬送させ
ることが可能になり、高画質記録が実現できるようにな
る。With such a developing device, the electrostatic latent image can be developed by the downward developing device, so that the recording medium can be easily reciprocated by the endless belt with high accuracy. Image quality recording can be realized.

【００３２】現像中の現像器の位置をイオンフローヘッ
ド１３に接近させて、静電潜像形成から現像までの時間
を短縮して静電潜像の電位の減衰を低減することは、高
画質記録に効果的である。現像器の移動は、例えば図４
に示すように、回転軸１２０にレバー１２４を取付け、
レバー１２４の他端に取り付けた軸１２５を回転円盤１
２７に設けたラセン溝１２６に契合させて、回転円盤１
２７を回転することで実現する。By reducing the potential attenuation of the electrostatic latent image by shortening the time from the formation of the electrostatic latent image to the development by bringing the position of the developing device closer to the ion flow head 13 during the development, high image quality can be obtained. It is effective for recording. The movement of the developing device is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the lever 124 is attached to the rotation shaft 120,
The shaft 125 attached to the other end of the lever 124 is attached to the rotating disc 1
27, and the rotating disk 1
This is realized by rotating 27.

【００３３】待機中、または現像器を回転させる場合
は、現像器をイオンフローヘッド１３から離れた位置に
移動させることで、回転が可能になると共に、各色現像
液のタンクと現像器の交換が容易に実現できる。各色現
像液のタンクと各色の現像ローラを含む現像器は、図２
に示すように一体で交換可能にする構造にすることも、
図示してはいないが各々単独に交換可能なように別構造
にすることもできる。そして、これらの交換時期は画像
品質から推測することもできるが、図示はしていない現
像液のタンクに設けた透過光式光学センサーの信号から
制御装置２２で残量を検出して、交換時期をコンピュー
タ２３に出力することもできる。When the developing device is rotated during standby or when the developing device is rotated, the developing device is moved to a position away from the ion flow head 13 so that the developing device can be rotated. Can be easily realized. A developing device including a tank for each color developer and a developing roller for each color is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, it is also possible to make the structure
Although not shown, it is possible to use another structure so that each can be replaced independently. The replacement time can be inferred from the image quality. However, the controller 22 detects the remaining amount from the signal of the transmitted light optical sensor provided in the developer tank (not shown). Can be output to the computer 23.

【００３４】シアン現像器１５をイエロー現像器１４の
１８０°反対向きに配置し、第三色の記録においては、
該２色の液体現像器を１８０°回転してシアの現像器１
５を下向きに設定する。そして、シアン現像器１５を下
降させて記録紙１とのギャップを規定するか、現像ギャ
ップステーＡ１１を上昇させて記録紙１とのギャップを
規定するかして、シアンの現像を開始する。The cyan developing device 15 is arranged 180 ° opposite to the yellow developing device 14, and in the recording of the third color,
The two-color liquid developing device is rotated by 180 ° and the shear developing device 1 is rotated.
Set 5 downward. Then, cyan development is started by lowering the cyan developing device 15 to define the gap with the recording paper 1 or raising the developing gap stay A11 to define the gap with the recording paper 1.

【００３５】そして、加熱手段１８まで記録紙１が搬送
され、記録紙１上のトナー像が加熱手段１８により強固
に定着される。Then, the recording paper 1 is transported to the heating means 18, and the toner image on the recording paper 1 is firmly fixed by the heating means 18.

【００３６】以下、同様にしてブラックの静電潜像の形
成と現像を行い、４色の画像を形成する。Thereafter, formation and development of a black electrostatic latent image are performed in the same manner to form a four-color image.

【００３７】搬送ベルト６は、記録紙１を高精度に案内
して搬送できるように構成する。駆動プーリ８、従動プ
ーリ７とテンションプーリ９に架けて、図１には記して
いない駆動源により駆動プーリ８を高精度に回転するこ
とで搬送ベルト６を回動する。搬送ベルト６は、エンド
レスのポリイミド材の基材を使用し、その上に低抵抗層
を形成する。該低抵抗層は、エンドレスベルト表面に均
一に形成する。低抵抗層は１０6〜１０9Ωcmの体積抵抗
が好ましい。低抵抗層は、シリコン樹脂やフッ素樹脂に
カーボンや粉末状の導電性金属酸化物を混入して所望の
電気抵抗を得る。また、低抵抗層の上層には耐摩耗性
の、例えばシリコン樹脂コーティングを２〜３μｍ厚で
行ってもよい。The transport belt 6 is configured to guide and transport the recording paper 1 with high precision. The transport belt 6 is rotated by rotating the driving pulley 8 with high accuracy by a driving source (not shown in FIG. 1) over the driving pulley 8, the driven pulley 7, and the tension pulley 9. The transport belt 6 uses an endless polyimide base material, on which a low resistance layer is formed. The low resistance layer is formed uniformly on the surface of the endless belt. The low resistance layer preferably has a volume resistance of 10 6 to 10 9 Ωcm. The low-resistance layer obtains a desired electric resistance by mixing carbon or a powdery conductive metal oxide into a silicon resin or a fluorine resin. Further, an abrasion-resistant, for example, a silicon resin coating may be applied to the upper layer of the low resistance layer to a thickness of 2 to 3 μm.

【００３８】記録紙１上に形成したトナー像は、加熱手
段１８、１９により定着されるが、加熱手段１８、１９
は、例えば図１に示したハロゲンランプによる非接触加
熱手段か、またはヒートローラ式定着手段である。The toner image formed on the recording paper 1 is fixed by heating means 18 and 19, but is heated by heating means 18 and 19.
Is, for example, a non-contact heating means using a halogen lamp shown in FIG. 1, or a heat roller type fixing means.

【００３９】また、搬送ベルト６上に残留している液体
現像や紙粉は、除電器２８で除電後、クリーナ２０によ
り除去される。Liquid developer and paper dust remaining on the conveyor belt 6 are removed by the cleaner 20 after the charge is removed by the charge remover 28.

【００４０】前述の現像器において、現像後に現像液の
回収する状況を図５から図７を用いて説明する。The state of collecting the developing solution after the development in the developing device will be described with reference to FIGS.

【００４１】前述のように、イエロー現像終了時点は図
５に示すようにイエロー現像器１４内のイエロー制御弁
１０２はイエローアクチュエータ１０３によってすでに
閉じられている。また、記録媒体と現像器はすでに離れ
た状態となっている。制御弁が閉じられるのは、制御弁
が１頁分の現像に使用する現像液がイエロー配管１０４
に供給されると閉じるように制御しているためである。
もし、この時点でイエロー現像ローラ１０７上に図のよ
うに現像液９０が残留しているものとする。この状態
で、現像器を回転軸１００を中心に回転を開始する。こ
の時イエロー現像ローラ１０７図中矢印方向に回転を続
行させる。これによって、現像ローラ上現像液が１箇所
に集中して記録媒体側（搬送ベルト側）に滴下すること
を防止するためである。As described above, at the end of the yellow development, the yellow control valve 102 in the yellow developing unit 14 is already closed by the yellow actuator 103 as shown in FIG. Further, the recording medium and the developing device are already separated from each other. The control valve is closed because the control valve uses the developer used for developing one page for the yellow pipe 104.
This is because it is controlled so as to close when it is supplied to.
At this time, it is assumed that the developing solution 90 remains on the yellow developing roller 107 as shown in FIG. In this state, the rotation of the developing device about the rotation shaft 100 is started. At this time, the rotation of the yellow developing roller 107 is continued in the direction of the arrow in FIG. This is to prevent the developing solution on the developing roller from being concentrated on one location and dripping on the recording medium side (conveying belt side).

【００４２】図６には現像器全体が９０度回転したとき
の状態を示している。この状態でも現像ローラは矢印方
向に回転を続けることによって、現像ローラから現像液
が滴下することを防ぐと共に、現像液を回収するためで
ある。FIG. 6 shows a state in which the entire developing device is rotated by 90 degrees. Even in this state, the developing roller keeps rotating in the direction of the arrow, thereby preventing the developing solution from dripping from the developing roller and collecting the developing solution.

【００４３】図７には、現像器が１８０度回転し終った
状態を示している。この状態で、一度制御弁を開放し配
管中に回収された現像液を現像液タンク内に回収する。
その後制御弁を閉じると共に、現像キャップ移動して現
像ローラを覆う。FIG. 7 shows a state where the developing device has been rotated by 180 degrees. In this state, the control valve is opened once and the developer collected in the pipe is collected in the developer tank.
Thereafter, the control valve is closed and the developing cap is moved to cover the developing roller.

【００４４】以上の構成及び、動作をさせることによ
り、信頼性の高い下向きの現像が実現されて、装置を傾
けられない、頻繁なメンテナンスが必要であるなどの制
約が取れ、さらに現像液の沈殿や凝集を避けるために必
要であった撹拌装置や循環装置が不要になるため、オフ
ィスやパ−ソナル向けの記録装置として使用できるよう
になる。By performing the above-described configuration and operation, highly reliable downward development can be realized, and the restriction that the apparatus cannot be tilted, frequent maintenance is required, and the likelihood of precipitation of the developer can be reduced. Since a stirrer and a circulation device, which are necessary for avoiding agglomeration and agglomeration, are not required, the device can be used as a recording device for offices and personal computers.

【００４５】[0045]

【発明の効果】本発明によれば、微粒子トナーが使用で
きる液体現像を上向き、下向き両方向で実現でき、かつ
現像液の漏れなどの無い信頼性の高い現像が可能になる
ために、高階調記録を特徴とするイオンフロー記録に適
した記録システムを実現できる効果がある。According to the present invention, liquid development in which fine particle toner can be used can be realized in both upward and downward directions, and high-reliability development without leakage of developer can be performed. There is an effect that a recording system suitable for ion flow recording characterized by the following can be realized.

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

【図１】本発明の記録装置の一実施例の概略構成図。FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a recording apparatus according to the present invention.

【図２】本発明の一実施例の現像器の構造。FIG. 2 shows the structure of a developing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

【図３】現像器内の制御弁の一実施例の構造。FIG. 3 is a structure of an embodiment of a control valve in a developing device.

【図４】現像器の回転機構の一実施例の構成図。FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a rotation mechanism of a developing device.

【図５】現像液回収の状況を説明する現像終了時の状態
を示す図。FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state at the end of development for explaining a state of recovery of a developer.

【図６】現像器を９０度回転した時の状態を示す図。FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when the developing device is rotated by 90 degrees.

【図７】現像器を１８０度回転したときの状態を示す
図。FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state when the developing device is rotated by 180 degrees.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１…記録紙、２…ホッパ、３…光学式反射型センサー、
４…給紙ローラ、５…第一押圧ローラ、６…搬送ベル
ト、７…従動プーリ、８…駆動プーリ、９…テンション
プーリ、10…現像ギャップステーＢ、11…現像ギャップ
ステーＡ、12…第二押圧ローラ、13…イオンフローヘッ
ド、14…イエロー現像器、15…シアン現像器、16…マゼ
ンタ現像器、17…ブラック現像器、18、19…加熱手段、
20…クリーナ、21…装置の側板、22…制御装置、23…コ
ンピュ−タ、24…対抗電極、90…現像液、91…回収現像
液、100…回転軸、101…イエロー現像液タンク、102…
イエロー制御弁、103…イエローアクチュエ−タ、104…
イエロー配管、105…イエローブレード、106…イエロー
現像器ベース、107…イエロー現像ローラ、108…イエロ
ー現像器側板、109…イエローキャップ、110…シアン現
像液タンク、111…シアン制御弁、112…シアンアクチュ
エータ、113…シアン配管、114…シアンブレード、115
…シアン現像器ベース、116…シアン現像ローラ、117…
シアン現像器側板、118…シアンキャップ、119…イエロ
ー・シアン現像器外接円、120…回転軸Ｂ、121…マゼン
タキャップ、122…ブラックキャップ、123…マゼンダ・
ブラック現像器外接円、124…レバー、125…軸、126…
ラセン溝、127…回転円盤、136…バルブ軸受、137…バ
ルブ歯車、138…バルブ軸。1: recording paper, 2: hopper, 3: optical reflection type sensor,
Reference numeral 4: paper feed roller, 5: first pressing roller, 6: transport belt, 7: driven pulley, 8: drive pulley, 9: tension pulley, 10: developing gap stay B, 11: developing gap stay A, 12 ... Two pressing rollers, 13 ion flow head, 14 yellow developing device, 15 cyan developing device, 16 magenta developing device, 17 black developing device, 18, 19 heating means,
Reference numeral 20: cleaner, 21: side plate of the device, 22: control device, 23: computer, 24: counter electrode, 90: developer, 91: recovered developer, 100: rotating shaft, 101: yellow developer tank, 102 …
Yellow control valve, 103 ... Yellow actuator, 104 ...
Yellow piping, 105: Yellow blade, 106: Yellow developing unit base, 107: Yellow developing roller, 108: Yellow developing unit side plate, 109: Yellow cap, 110: Cyan developer tank, 111: Cyan control valve, 112: Cyan actuator , 113 ... Cyan piping, 114 ... Cyan blade, 115
... Cyan developing unit base, 116 ... Cyan developing roller, 117 ...
Cyan developing device side plate, 118: cyan cap, 119: yellow / cyan developing device circumcircle, 120: rotation axis B, 121: magenta cap, 122: black cap, 123: magenta
Black developing unit circumcircle, 124 ... lever, 125 ... shaft, 126 ...
Spiral groove, 127 ... rotating disk, 136 ... valve bearing, 137 ... valve gear, 138 ... valve shaft.

Claims (3)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】イオン発生源からのイオンを通過孔に設け
た制御電極でイオン通過量を制御して画像信号に対応し
た静電潜像を記録媒体に形成するイオンフローヘッド
と、記録媒体を案内搬送するエンドレスベルトと、前記
記録媒体上の静電潜像に現像する液体現像手段とを具備
し、前記記録媒体の上方に液体現像手段を配置し、前記
液体現像手段の下方に現像面を有する構成にした記録装
置の液体現像方法において、 現像面を上下に回転可能に支持し、現像終了後、現像ロ
ーラを現像面が略上向きになるまで回転させて、現像ロ
ーラ上に残った現像液を現像液配管を通して現像液タン
クに回収することを特徴とする液体現像方法。An ion flow head for forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image signal on a recording medium by controlling the amount of ions passed by a control electrode provided in a passage hole for ions from an ion source, and a recording medium. An endless belt for guiding and conveying, and a liquid developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image on the recording medium, a liquid developing unit is disposed above the recording medium, and a developing surface is provided below the liquid developing unit. In the liquid developing method of a recording apparatus having a configuration, the developing surface is rotatably supported up and down, and after the development is completed, the developing roller is rotated until the developing surface is substantially upward, and the developing solution remaining on the developing roller A liquid developer collected in a developer tank through a developer pipe. 【請求項２】請求項１記載の液体現像方法において、現
像時１頁分の現像液を現像液配管に供給後、前記現像液
タンク又は現像液配管に設けた制御弁を閉じ、現像面が
大方上向きになるところで前記制御弁を開放することを
特徴とする液体現像方法。2. The liquid developing method according to claim 1, wherein a developing valve for one page is supplied to the developing solution pipe at the time of development, and then a control valve provided in the developing solution tank or the developing solution pipe is closed, so that the developing surface is changed. A liquid developing method, characterized in that the control valve is opened when the control valve is turned substantially upward. 【請求項３】請求項１記載の液体現像方法において、現
像面が１８０°反対向きに２色の液体現像器を設け、該
２色の液体現像器を１８０°回転可能に支持して選択的
に記録媒体に接近させて現像する構成にしたことを特徴
とする液体現像方法。3. The liquid developing method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing a two-color liquid developing device having a developing surface 180 ° opposite to the developing surface; and selectively supporting the two-color liquid developing device so as to be rotatable by 180 °. A liquid developing method, wherein the developing is performed by approaching a recording medium.
JP5736797A 1997-02-27 1997-03-12 Liquid developing method Pending JPH10254247A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP5736797A JPH10254247A (en) 1997-03-12 1997-03-12 Liquid developing method
DE69818125T DE69818125T2 (en) 1997-02-27 1998-02-19 Recording device with ion flow head and liquid development
EP98102916A EP0864934B1 (en) 1997-02-27 1998-02-19 Recording apparatus with ion flow head and liquid developing
US09/027,220 US6069641A (en) 1997-02-27 1998-02-20 Ion flow recording apparatus and liquid developing method
AU56259/98A AU705404B2 (en) 1997-02-27 1998-02-23 Ion flow recording apparatus and liquid developing method
KR1019980005897A KR100305438B1 (en) 1997-02-27 1998-02-25 Ion Flow Recorder and Liquid Development Method
CN98105345A CN1191997A (en) 1997-02-27 1998-02-26 Ion flow recording apparatus and liquid developing method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP5736797A JPH10254247A (en) 1997-03-12 1997-03-12 Liquid developing method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH10254247A true JPH10254247A (en) 1998-09-25

Family

ID=13053626

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP5736797A Pending JPH10254247A (en) 1997-02-27 1997-03-12 Liquid developing method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JPH10254247A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002268391A (en) * 2001-03-12 2002-09-18 Ricoh Co Ltd Detector for residual quantity developer
US10646851B2 (en) 2015-01-19 2020-05-12 Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd. Separation material
US10898877B2 (en) 2015-01-19 2021-01-26 Showa Denko Materials Co., Ltd. Separation material

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002268391A (en) * 2001-03-12 2002-09-18 Ricoh Co Ltd Detector for residual quantity developer
US10646851B2 (en) 2015-01-19 2020-05-12 Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd. Separation material
US10898877B2 (en) 2015-01-19 2021-01-26 Showa Denko Materials Co., Ltd. Separation material

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