JPH1173017A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH1173017A JPH1173017A JP7519298A JP7519298A JPH1173017A JP H1173017 A JPH1173017 A JP H1173017A JP 7519298 A JP7519298 A JP 7519298A JP 7519298 A JP7519298 A JP 7519298A JP H1173017 A JPH1173017 A JP H1173017A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- developer carrier
- carrier
- layer thickness
- thickness regulating
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、１成分現像剤を用
いる現像装置に関し、より詳細には複写機、プリンタ等
の静電潜像を利用した電子写真方式の画像形成装置にお
ける現像装置に関する。The present invention relates to a developing device using a one-component developer, and more particularly to a developing device in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrostatic latent image, such as a copying machine or a printer.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】一般的に非磁性または磁性の１成分現像
剤（トナー）を用いた電子写真方式の複写機等の現像装
置では、回転する現像剤担持体の長手方向に沿って層厚
規制体を接触させて、現像剤担持体上の現像剤を均一に
薄層化すると同時に、このときの摩擦帯電により現像に
必要な電荷を現像剤に付与する。この現像剤薄層は像担
体と現像剤担持体とが接触する現像位置に搬送され、現
像剤を像担体上に形成された静電潜像に供給して現像す
る方法がよく知られている。2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a developing apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine using a non-magnetic or magnetic one-component developer (toner), a layer thickness is regulated along a longitudinal direction of a rotating developer carrier. The developer is brought into contact with the developer carrier to uniformly thin the developer, and at the same time, a charge required for development is imparted to the developer by frictional charging at this time. It is well known that the developer thin layer is transported to a developing position where the image carrier and the developer carrier are in contact, and the developer is supplied to an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier for development. .
【０００３】この場合、像担体の非画像領域にあたる現
像剤担持体の両端部近傍の現像剤においては、消費が行
われないことや現像剤担持体の回転による拡散作用によ
り現像剤担持体の両端部に向かって現像剤が長手方向に
移動する。そのため、現像剤の供給が過多となり、現像
剤の飛散が発生し機内が汚染されたり、現像剤の消費量
の増加等の不都合が生じる。In this case, the developer in the vicinity of both ends of the developer carrier, which is a non-image area of the image carrier, is not consumed, and is diffused by the rotation of the developer carrier. The developer moves longitudinally toward the portion. As a result, the supply of the developer becomes excessive, and the scattering of the developer occurs, which causes problems such as contamination of the inside of the apparatus and an increase in the consumption of the developer.
【０００４】そこで、現像剤の供給過多を防止し、かつ
過剰現像剤の飛散による機内の汚染を防止する技術が、
特公平４−６２３９１号公報に開示されている。すなわ
ち、図１９に示すように、弾性を有している層厚規制体
１の両側縁１ａを先端部の裏面側から被覆する弾性シー
ル体２を設けることにより、現像剤担持体３の両端部へ
向かう現像剤の長手方向への移動を規制する。Accordingly, a technique for preventing an excessive supply of the developer and preventing contamination inside the apparatus due to scattering of the excess developer has been proposed.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-62391. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, by providing elastic seals 2 that cover both side edges 1a of the elastic layer thickness regulating body 1 from the back side of the front end, as shown in FIG. The movement of the developer toward the longitudinal direction is restricted.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記のように、層厚規
制体１の両側縁１ａとその近傍の現像剤担持体３表面を
弾性シール体２で覆うことにより長手方向への現像剤の
移動の規制を行うと、層厚規制体１の両側縁１ａが現像
剤担持体３表面に直接押し付けられることになる。この
状態で機器を使用し続けた場合、現像剤担持体３と層厚
規制体１の両側縁１ａとの接触部分で局部的な破損が生
じる。この破損により隙間が生じて弾性シール体２のシ
ール性能が低下し、現像剤の移動を完全に規制できなく
なり、現像剤の供給が過多となって現像剤の飛散が発生
し、機内汚染や現像剤の消費量の増加等の不都合が生じ
る。特に層厚規制体１が板状の金属材料、現像剤担持体
３がローラ状のゴム材料というように機械的特性の大き
く異なる材料を使用した場合、このような現象が顕著に
見られる。As described above, the developer is moved in the longitudinal direction by covering the side edges 1a of the layer thickness regulating body 1 and the surface of the developer carrier 3 in the vicinity thereof with the elastic seal body 2. Is performed, the side edges 1a of the layer thickness regulating body 1 are pressed directly against the surface of the developer carrier 3. If the device is continued to be used in this state, local damage occurs at a contact portion between the developer carrier 3 and both side edges 1a of the layer thickness regulating body 1. Due to this breakage, a gap is generated, the sealing performance of the elastic seal body 2 is reduced, the movement of the developer cannot be completely restricted, the supply of the developer becomes excessive, the developer is scattered, and the contamination inside the machine and the development Inconveniences such as an increase in the consumption of the agent occur. In particular, when the layer thickness regulator 1 is made of a plate-shaped metal material and the developer carrier 3 is made of a roller-shaped rubber material, materials having greatly different mechanical properties are used.
【０００６】また、図２０に示すように、層厚規制体１
の長手方向の両端の先端部分では、弾性シール体２と接
触するため、弾性シール体２に段差ができ、この隙間Ｓ
より現像剤がリークして、現像剤担持体３の両端部へ向
かってしまうといった問題がある。Further, as shown in FIG.
Are in contact with the elastic seal body 2 at the end portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction, a step is formed in the elastic seal body 2 and the gap S
There is a problem that the developer leaks more and moves toward both ends of the developer carrier 3.
【０００７】これに対しては、図２１に示すように、特
開平４−２４９２７３号公報に、シール体２を現像剤担
持体３用のシール部材２ａと層厚規制体１用のシール部
材２ｂとに分割した構造にして、層厚規制体１によって
できる段差をなくす技術が開示されている。On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4-249273 discloses a seal member 2a for a developer carrier 3 and a seal member 2b for a layer thickness control member 1. There is disclosed a technique for eliminating a step formed by the layer thickness regulating body 1 by using a structure divided into two.
【０００８】しかしながら、このシール体２では、異な
る材質の部材を使用することにより構造が複雑になる。
しかも、各シール部材２ａ，２ｂは一体的に接合される
ので、その接合面のシールが弱いと、ここから現像剤が
漏れるといった問題がある。さらに、２種類のシール部
材が必要となり、コストが高くなるといった問題もあ
る。However, the structure of the seal body 2 is complicated by using members made of different materials.
Moreover, since the seal members 2a and 2b are integrally joined, there is a problem that if the seal at the joint surface is weak, the developer leaks from here. Further, there is a problem that two types of seal members are required, and the cost is increased.
【０００９】本発明は、上記に鑑み、現像剤担持体と層
厚規制体の両側縁との接触をなくすことにより破損を防
いで、現像剤担持体の両端部への現像剤の供給過多を防
止しながら現像剤の飛散による機内汚染、現像剤の消費
量の増加等の不都合を防止できる現像装置の提供を目的
とする。In view of the above, the present invention eliminates the contact between the developer carrier and the side edges of the layer thickness regulating body to prevent breakage, thereby preventing excessive supply of developer to both ends of the developer carrier. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device capable of preventing inconveniences such as contamination in the apparatus due to scattering of the developer and an increase in consumption of the developer while preventing the problem.
【００１０】また、層厚規制体の長手方向の両端に生じ
る隙間をなくすことにより現像剤の漏れをなくして、現
像剤担持体の両端部への現像剤の供給過多を防止しなが
ら現像剤の飛散による機内汚染、現像剤の消費量の増加
等の不都合を防止できる現像装置の提供を目的とする。Further, by eliminating gaps generated at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the layer thickness regulating body, the leakage of the developer is eliminated, and the developer is prevented from being excessively supplied to both ends of the developer carrier while the developer is being supplied. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device capable of preventing inconveniences such as contamination inside the apparatus due to scattering and an increase in consumption of a developer.
【００１１】[0011]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明による課題解決手
段は、像担体と対向した現像位置に現像剤を搬送する現
像剤担持体と、現像剤担持体の表面に摺接して所定の層
厚の現像剤層を現像剤担持体上に形成する層厚規制体
と、層厚規制体に接触するとともに現像剤担持体に接触
して長手方向への現像剤担持体上の現像剤の移動を規制
するシール体とを備え、層厚規制体の長手方向の幅が現
像剤担持体の長手方向の幅より大とされ、シール体の側
縁が現像剤担持体の側縁よりも内側寄りに位置したもの
である。Means for solving the problems according to the present invention are: a developer carrier for conveying a developer to a developing position facing an image carrier; and a layer having a predetermined thickness by slidingly contacting the surface of the developer carrier. A layer thickness regulating body for forming the developer layer on the developer carrying body, and a movement of the developer on the developer carrying body in the longitudinal direction by contacting with the layer thickness regulating body and contacting the developer carrying body. A sealing body for regulating, the width in the longitudinal direction of the layer thickness regulating body is made larger than the longitudinal width of the developer carrier, and the side edge of the seal body is closer to the inner side than the side edge of the developer carrier. It is located.
【００１２】すなわち、層厚規制体の両側縁が、現像剤
担持体の側縁の外側あるいはこの側縁と同じ位置に配置
され、一対のシール体が像担体の画像領域の幅と同じか
あるいは少し広い間隔をおいて配置され、かつシール体
の内側縁が現像剤担持体の側縁よりも内側寄りに配置さ
れる。That is, both side edges of the layer thickness regulating body are arranged outside the side edge of the developer carrier or at the same position as the side edge, and the pair of seals is the same as the width of the image area of the image carrier or They are arranged at a slightly wider interval, and the inner edge of the seal body is arranged closer to the inner side than the side edge of the developer carrier.
【００１３】したがって、現像剤担持体の非画像領域に
相当する両端部には現像剤が過剰に供給されず、現像に
供されない現像剤の飛散がなくなる。また、層厚規制体
の両側縁が現像剤担持体の表面に直接触れることがない
ので、現像剤担持体と層厚規制体の両側縁との接触によ
る局部的な破損が生じない。Therefore, the developer is not excessively supplied to both ends corresponding to the non-image areas of the developer carrier, and the developer not used for development is not scattered. Further, since both side edges of the layer thickness regulating body do not directly contact the surface of the developer carrying member, local damage due to contact between the developer carrying body and both side edges of the layer thickness regulating body does not occur.
【００１４】そして、シール体として弾性の異なる複数
のシール部材を組み合わせたものにすることにより、現
像剤の長手方向への移動を規制する作用および規制しき
れなかった現像剤を拭い取る作用を持たせることがで
き、シール体の機能を向上させることができる。By using a combination of a plurality of sealing members having different elasticity as the sealing member, the sealing member has a function of restricting the movement of the developer in the longitudinal direction and a function of wiping the developer which cannot be completely regulated. And the function of the seal body can be improved.
【００１５】あるいは、シール体の現像剤担持体に対す
る押付圧を層厚規制体に対する押付圧より大にすること
により、シール体は現像剤担持体には大きな押付圧で接
触して、現像剤担持体に対する余分な現像剤の供給を抑
止し、現像剤担持体の両端部に向かう現像剤の移動をな
くせる。一方、層厚規制体に対しては小さな押付圧で接
触して、層厚規制体の変形を防止するので、層厚規制体
の現像剤担持体に対する接触条件が一定となり、現像剤
の層厚が安定し、画像の乱れが生じない。Alternatively, by making the pressure of the seal against the developer carrier larger than the pressure against the layer thickness regulating body, the seal comes into contact with the developer carrier with a large pressing pressure, and The supply of excess developer to the body is suppressed, and the movement of the developer toward both ends of the developer carrier is eliminated. On the other hand, the layer thickness regulating body comes into contact with a small pressing pressure to prevent the deformation of the layer thickness regulating body, so that the contact condition of the layer thickness regulating body with respect to the developer carrier becomes constant, and the layer thickness of the developer becomes constant. Is stable, and no image distortion occurs.
【００１６】また、現像剤の現像剤担持体両端部への移
動を確実に規制するためには、シール体の内側縁を傾斜
させるとよい。このシール体によって現像剤担持体上の
現像剤を内側寄りに案内することができる。Further, in order to reliably restrict the movement of the developer to both ends of the developer carrier, the inner edge of the seal may be inclined. The developer on the developer carrier can be guided toward the inside by the seal.
【００１７】ところで、現像装置においては、現像剤担
持と現像剤ケース（現像槽）との隙間や層厚規制体と現
像剤ケースとの隙間から現像剤が漏れ出さないようにシ
ール材が設けられている。そこで、シール体をこれらの
隙間にも配置することにより、長手方向への現像剤担持
体上の現像剤の移動を規制するとともに、現像剤ケース
からの現像剤の漏れを防止して、シール材を不要にする
ことができる。In the developing device, a seal material is provided so that the developer does not leak out from the gap between the developer carrying and the developer case (developing tank) and the gap between the layer thickness regulating body and the developer case. ing. Therefore, by disposing the seal body in these gaps, the movement of the developer on the developer carrier in the longitudinal direction is restricted, and the leakage of the developer from the developer case is prevented. Can be eliminated.
【００１８】他の課題解決手段は、現像剤ケースに、像
担体と対向した現像位置に現像剤を搬送する現像剤担持
体と、現像剤担持体の表面に摺接して所定の層厚の現像
剤層を現像剤担持体上に形成する層厚規制体と、現像剤
担持体に接触して長手方向への現像剤担持体上の現像剤
の移動を規制するシール体とが内装され、層厚規制体の
現像剤担持体に接触する表面とは反対側の裏面におい
て、その長手方向の端部が現像剤ケースに接着剤あるい
は両面に粘着剤を有する粘着テープによって接着された
ものである。Another problem solving means is to provide a developer case, a developer carrier for transporting the developer to a development position facing the image carrier, and a developing layer having a predetermined layer thickness by slidingly contacting the surface of the developer carrier. A layer thickness regulating body that forms the developer layer on the developer carrier, and a seal body that regulates the movement of the developer on the developer carrier in the longitudinal direction in contact with the developer carrier and is internally provided. On the back surface of the thickness regulating body opposite to the surface in contact with the developer carrying member, its longitudinal end is adhered to the developer case with an adhesive or an adhesive tape having an adhesive on both sides.
【００１９】したがって、現像剤担持体に接触するシー
ル体により、現像剤担持体の両端部へ向かう現像剤の移
動が阻止されるとともに、層厚規制体の裏面が現像槽に
接着されているので、この間での隙間がなくなって現像
剤のシールが行われ、現像剤の漏れがなくなる。そのた
め、現像剤担持体の両端部には現像剤が過剰に供給され
ず、現像に供されない現像剤の飛散がなくなる。Therefore, the movement of the developer toward both ends of the developer carrier is prevented by the seal member in contact with the developer carrier, and the back surface of the layer thickness regulating member is adhered to the developing tank. The gap between them disappears, and the developer is sealed, so that the developer does not leak. Therefore, the developer is not excessively supplied to both ends of the developer carrier, and the scattering of the developer not used for development is eliminated.
【００２０】ここで、層厚規制体は、現像剤ケースに取
り付けられ、例えば湾曲させることによって現像剤担持
体に押し付けられているが、その取り付け精度等のばら
つきによって現像剤担持体に食い込むことがある。そこ
で、現像剤担持体の長手方向の両端における硬度が中央
における硬度より低くされる、あるいは現像剤担持体の
硬度が４０度以下（ＪＩＳ Ｋ６３０１）とされる。Here, the layer thickness regulating member is attached to the developer case, and is pressed against the developer carrying member by, for example, being bent. is there. Therefore, the hardness at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier is set lower than the hardness at the center, or the hardness of the developer carrier is set to 40 degrees or less (JIS K6301).
【００２１】これによって、層厚規制体が現像剤担持体
に食い込むことがあっても、層厚規制体と現像剤担持体
との間の摩擦が大きくなることがなく、摩擦抵抗による
回転トルクの増大が生じないので、現像剤担持体の駆動
源には負荷がかからない。Thus, even if the layer thickness regulating body bites into the developer carrier, the friction between the layer thickness regulating body and the developer carrier does not increase, and the rotational torque due to the frictional resistance is reduced. Since no increase occurs, no load is applied to the drive source of the developer carrier.
【００２２】[0022]
（第１実施形態）図１は本実施形態の現像装置の要部を
示す斜視図、図２は現像装置の縦断面図、図３はその要
部を示す側面図、図４は同じく平面図である。本実施形
態の現像装置は、電子写真方式のレーザープリンタに適
用されるものであり、円柱形状の現像剤担持体３が、そ
の表面に適量ずつ非磁性１成分の現像剤Ｄを補給する現
像剤ケース４内に配設されている。現像剤Ｄは、平均粒
径約１０μｍの高抵抗トナーを使用する。現像剤担持体
３として導電性ゴム材料を使用し、その両端が軸３ｂを
介して回転自在に現像剤ケース４に支持され、所定の速
度で回転駆動される。そして、現像剤担持体３は、感光
体ドラムあるいは感光体ベルト等の回転駆動される像担
体５に接触あるいは近接するように配置され、現像剤ケ
ース４より補給された現像剤Ｄをその表面に担持して像
担体５と対向する現像位置まで搬送する。(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a developing device of this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing device, FIG. 3 is a side view showing the main part, and FIG. It is. The developing device of the present embodiment is applied to an electrophotographic laser printer, and a cylindrical developer carrier 3 supplies a suitable amount of a non-magnetic one-component developer D to the surface thereof. It is arranged in case 4. As the developer D, a high-resistance toner having an average particle diameter of about 10 μm is used. A conductive rubber material is used as the developer carrier 3, and both ends thereof are rotatably supported by the developer case 4 via a shaft 3b, and are driven to rotate at a predetermined speed. The developer carrier 3 is disposed so as to be in contact with or close to a rotatably driven image carrier 5 such as a photoconductor drum or a photoconductor belt, and the developer D supplied from the developer case 4 is placed on the surface thereof. It is carried and transported to a developing position facing the image carrier 5.
【００２３】また、現像剤ケース４には、現像剤ケース
４から現像剤担持体３の表面に供給されてくる現像剤Ｄ
の層厚を規制して現像剤Ｄの薄層Ｔを形成する層厚規制
体１が設けられている。層厚規制体１は厚み０．１ｍｍ
のステンレス薄板を使用し、層厚規制体１の現像剤ケー
ス４側の一端は現像剤ケース４に固定されている。層厚
規制体１は、現像剤担持体３による搬送方向に対して現
像位置の下流側に配置され、その表面の先端部もしくは
近傍が現像剤担持体３の長手方向の全域に渡って接触す
る。そして、層厚規制体１の現像剤ケース４との固定部
分から現像剤担持体３との接触部分までの距離は１０ｍ
ｍ、たわみ量は１ｍｍであり、層厚規制体１自身の弾性
によって現像剤担持体３に押し付けられている。このよ
うに、層厚規制体１を現像剤担持体３に一様な力で押し
付けることによって、所定の現像剤薄層Ｔの層厚が得ら
れ、現像剤Ｄを摩擦帯電させて必要な電荷量を付与でき
る。In the developer case 4, the developer D supplied from the developer case 4 to the surface of the developer carrier 3 is supplied.
Is provided to regulate the layer thickness of the developer D to form a thin layer T of the developer D. The thickness regulating body 1 has a thickness of 0.1 mm.
The one end of the layer thickness regulating body 1 on the side of the developer case 4 is fixed to the developer case 4. The layer thickness regulating body 1 is disposed downstream of the developing position with respect to the direction of conveyance by the developer carrier 3, and the front end portion or the vicinity thereof contacts the entire area of the developer carrier 3 in the longitudinal direction. . The distance from the fixed portion of the layer thickness regulator 1 to the developer case 4 to the contact portion with the developer carrier 3 is 10 m.
m, the deflection amount is 1 mm, and the elasticity of the layer thickness regulating body 1 itself is pressed against the developer carrier 3. As described above, by pressing the layer thickness regulating body 1 against the developer carrier 3 with a uniform force, a predetermined layer thickness of the developer thin layer T is obtained, and the developer D is triboelectrically charged and the required electric charge is obtained. Amount can be given.
【００２４】ここで、層厚規制体１が現像剤担持体３の
長手方向の全域に渡って接触するように、層厚規制体１
の長手方向の幅Ｏは、現像剤担持体３の長手方向の幅Ｎ
よりも大（Ｏ＞Ｎ）とされ、層厚規制体１の両側縁１ａ
は現像剤担持体３の両側縁３ａより外側に位置し、現像
剤担持体３の表面に接触していない。なお、層厚規制体
１の長手方向の幅Ｏは、現像剤担持体３の長手方向の幅
Ｎと同じにしてもよい。Here, the layer thickness regulating body 1 is so contacted that the layer thickness regulating body 1 contacts the entire area of the developer carrier 3 in the longitudinal direction.
Is the width N of the developer carrier 3 in the longitudinal direction.
(O> N), and both side edges 1a of the layer thickness regulating body 1
Are located outside the side edges 3 a of the developer carrier 3 and are not in contact with the surface of the developer carrier 3. The width O in the longitudinal direction of the layer thickness regulating body 1 may be the same as the width N in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier 3.
【００２５】そして、現像剤担持体３の両端部への現像
剤Ｄの供給過多を防止するために、一対の弾性を有する
シール体２が現像剤ケース４内に設けられている。シー
ル体２としては、可撓性を備えたウレタンスポンジ、あ
るいは合成ゴム等のエラストマーが使用される。シール
体２は、現像剤担持体３の両端部の近傍に配置され、現
像剤ケース４内の突設片６にその裏面が保持されてお
り、現像剤担持体３の表面と層厚規制体１の裏面とに押
し付けられて接触する。ここで、シール体２は弾性を有
しているため、層厚規制体１の厚みによる現像剤担持体
３との段差に関係なく追従して現像剤担持体３と層厚規
制体１とに隙間なく接触でき、かつ層厚規制体１の先端
近傍の動作を拘束しない。A pair of elastic seals 2 are provided in the developer case 4 in order to prevent the developer D from being excessively supplied to both ends of the developer carrier 3. As the seal body 2, an urethane sponge having flexibility or an elastomer such as synthetic rubber is used. The seal body 2 is disposed near both ends of the developer carrier 3, and the back surface thereof is held by a protruding piece 6 in the developer case 4. 1 and is pressed against and contacts the back surface. Here, since the seal member 2 has elasticity, the seal member 2 follows the developer carrier 3 and the layer thickness regulator 1 irrespective of a step with the developer carrier 3 due to the thickness of the layer thickness regulator 1. Contact can be made without any gap, and the operation near the tip of the layer thickness regulating body 1 is not restricted.
【００２６】また、シール体２の内側縁２ａが現像剤担
持体３の側縁３ａと像担体５上の画像領域Ｉの側縁の延
長線との間に位置するように、各シール体２は離間され
ている。すなわち、各シール体２の内側縁２ａ間の幅Ｍ
は、画像領域Ｉの幅Ｌよりも大（Ｍ＞Ｌ）とされる。Each of the seals 2 is positioned so that the inner edge 2a of the seal 2 is located between the side edge 3a of the developer carrier 3 and the extension of the side edge of the image area I on the image carrier 5. Are separated. That is, the width M between the inner edges 2a of each seal body 2
Is larger than the width L of the image area I (M> L).
【００２７】なお、図２中、８は現像剤ケース４と層厚
規制体１との間をシールするシール材、９は現像剤ケー
ス４と現像剤担持体３との間をシールするシール材であ
る。In FIG. 2, reference numeral 8 denotes a seal member for sealing between the developer case 4 and the layer thickness regulating member 1, and reference numeral 9 denotes a seal member for sealing between the developer case 4 and the developer carrier 3. It is.
【００２８】ここで、図５に示すように、像担体５上の
画像領域Ｉの側縁の延長線とシール体２の内側縁２ａと
を一致（Ｍ＝Ｌ）させてもよい。すなわち、シール体２
の内側縁２ａが画像領域Ｉの側縁の延長線上になるよう
に、各シール体２の離間距離を画像領域Ｉの幅と同じに
する。これによって、現像剤担持体３の両端部に余分な
現像剤Ｄの供給がより一層抑止され、現像剤Ｄの飛散に
よる機内汚染、現像剤Ｄの消費量の増加等を最小限に止
めることができる。Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the extension of the side edge of the image area I on the image carrier 5 and the inner edge 2a of the seal body 2 may be matched (M = L). That is, the sealing body 2
Is set to be the same as the width of the image area I such that the inner edge 2a of the image is on an extension of the side edge of the image area I. As a result, the supply of the excess developer D to both ends of the developer carrier 3 is further suppressed, and contamination in the apparatus due to scattering of the developer D, an increase in the consumption of the developer D, and the like can be minimized. it can.
【００２９】（第２実施形態）図６は第２実施形態の現
像装置の要部を示す側面図である。本実施形態では、シ
ール体２が、長手方向に沿って弾性の異なる２種類のシ
ール部材１０，１１に分割されている。シール部材１
０，１１のそれぞれの弾性は、長手方向において内側に
位置する内側シール部材１０の方が外側に位置する外側
シール部材１１よりも大きく設定される。すなわち、内
側シール部材１０として硬度４０度のソリッド状のゴ
ム、外側シール部材１１として硬度１０度のウレタンス
ポンジを使用し、両者を接着剤等により接合して一体化
するか、あるいは互いに密着するようにそれぞれを現像
剤ケース４に装着する。その他の構成は第１実施形態と
同じである。(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a side view showing a main part of a developing device according to a second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the seal body 2 is divided into two types of seal members 10 and 11 having different elasticity along the longitudinal direction. Seal member 1
The elasticity of each of 0 and 11 is set to be larger in the inner seal member 10 located inside in the longitudinal direction than in the outer seal member 11 located outside. That is, solid rubber having a hardness of 40 degrees is used as the inner seal member 10, and urethane sponge having a hardness of 10 degrees is used as the outer seal member 11. The two members are joined by an adhesive or the like to be integrated, or to be in close contact with each other. Each is attached to the developer case 4. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
【００３０】したがって、現像剤担持体３の両端部に向
かって移動してくる現像剤Ｄは弾性の大きい内側シール
部材１０で一度規制されるが、内側シール部材１０で規
制しきれなかった現像剤Ｄは弾性の小さい外側シール部
材１１により拭い取られる。特に、画像の高精度化に伴
い現像剤Ｄの大きさが小さくなっても、シール体２を現
像剤担持体３に単純に押し付ける場合に比べて、このシ
ール体２は効果的である。Therefore, the developer D moving toward both ends of the developer carrier 3 is once regulated by the inner seal member 10 having a large elasticity, but the developer which cannot be regulated by the inner seal member 10 completely. D is wiped off by the outer seal member 11 having low elasticity. In particular, even when the size of the developer D is reduced due to the higher precision of the image, the seal 2 is more effective than when the seal 2 is simply pressed against the developer carrier 3.
【００３１】このような長手方向に弾性が異なるシール
体２の構造にすることによって、一方では現像剤Ｄを規
制する作用を有し、他方では規制しきれなかった現像剤
Ｄを拭い取る作用を有することになり、現像剤担持体３
に余分な現像剤Ｄの供給を一層抑止することができる。By adopting such a structure of the seal body 2 having different elasticity in the longitudinal direction, on the one hand, it has an action of regulating the developer D, and on the other hand, it has an action of wiping off the developer D which could not be regulated. The developer carrier 3
Further, the supply of the excess developer D can be further suppressed.
【００３２】なお、弾性の小さい外側シール部材１１と
して繊維状の弾性シール部材を使用すると、現像剤Ｄを
拭い取る作用がさらに促進され、より一層現像剤Ｄの飛
散による機内汚染、現像剤Ｄの消費量の増加等を防止す
ることができる。When a fibrous elastic seal member is used as the outer seal member 11 having low elasticity, the action of wiping the developer D is further promoted, and the inside of the device due to the scattering of the developer D, the contamination of the developer D is further improved. An increase in consumption can be prevented.
【００３３】（第３実施形態）図７は第３実施形態の現
像装置の縦断面図である。本実施形態では、シール体２
が現像剤担持体３の回転方向に沿って弾性の異なる２種
類のシール部材１２，１３に分割されている。シール部
材１２，１３のそれぞれの弾性は、現像剤担持体３の搬
送方向に対してその上流側に位置する上流シール部材１
２の方が下流側に位置する下流シール部材１３よりも大
きく設定され、上流シール部材１２は、現像剤担持体３
の表面に接触し、下流シール部材１３は現像剤担持体３
の表面および層厚規制体１の裏面に接触している。そし
て、上流シール部材１２として硬度４０度のソリッド状
のゴム、下流シール部材１３として硬度１０度のウレタ
ンスポンジを使用し、両者を接着剤等により接合して一
体化するか、あるいは互いに密着するようにそれぞれを
現像剤ケース４に装着する。その他の構成は第１実施形
態と同じである。(Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device according to a third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the seal body 2
Are divided along the rotation direction of the developer carrier 3 into two types of seal members 12 and 13 having different elasticities. The elasticity of each of the seal members 12 and 13 is such that the upstream seal member 1 located on the upstream side with respect to the transport direction of the developer carrier 3
2 is set larger than the downstream seal member 13 located on the downstream side, and the upstream seal member 12 is
And the downstream seal member 13 contacts the developer carrier 3
And the back surface of the layer thickness regulating body 1. Then, a solid rubber having a hardness of 40 degrees is used as the upstream seal member 12 and a urethane sponge having a hardness of 10 degrees is used as the downstream seal member 13. Each is attached to the developer case 4. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
【００３４】したがって、現像剤担持体３の回転により
移動してくる現像剤Ｄは、まず弾性の大きい上流シール
部材１２で一度長手方向への移動が規制されるが、上流
シール部材１２で規制しきれなかった現像剤Ｄは弾性の
小さい下流シール部材１３により拭い取られる。Accordingly, the developer D, which is moved by the rotation of the developer carrier 3, is once restricted in the longitudinal direction by the highly elastic upstream seal member 12, but is regulated by the upstream seal member 12. The developer D that has not been removed is wiped off by the downstream seal member 13 having low elasticity.
【００３５】このように、搬送方向に沿って弾性が異な
るシール体２の構造にすることによって、一方では現像
剤Ｄを規制する作用を有し、他方では規制しきれなかっ
た現像剤Ｄを拭い取る作用を有することになり、現像剤
担持体３の両端部への余分な現像剤Ｄの供給を一層抑止
することができる。As described above, by adopting the structure of the seal member 2 having different elasticity along the transport direction, on the one hand, it has an action of regulating the developer D, and on the other hand, it wipes the developer D which could not be regulated. As a result, the supply of the excess developer D to both ends of the developer carrier 3 can be further suppressed.
【００３６】なお、弾性の小さい下流シール部材１３と
して繊維状の弾性シール部材を使用すると、現像剤Ｄを
拭い取る作用をさらに促進できる。When a fibrous elastic seal member is used as the downstream seal member 13 having low elasticity, the action of wiping the developer D can be further promoted.
【００３７】（第４実施形態）図８は第４実施形態の現
像装置の縦断面図である。本実施形態では、シール体２
の現像剤担持体３に対する押付圧と層厚規制体１に対す
る押付圧を異ならせている。すなわち、現像剤担持体３
の両端部への現像剤Ｄの移動の規制を防止するには、現
像剤担持体３に対するシール体２の押付圧を大きくする
ことが望ましいが、層厚規制体１に対するシール体２の
押付圧も大きくなり、層厚規制体１が変形してシール体
２近傍の層厚規制体１の現像剤担持体３に対する接触条
件が変化し、現像剤薄層Ｔの厚さが一定にならず画像に
乱れが生じたり、また現像剤担持体３や層厚規制体１に
破損が生じることがある。また、逆に乱れのない画像を
得、かつ現像剤担持体３や層厚規制体１の破損を防止す
るために、層厚規制体１に対するシール体２の押付圧を
小さくした場合、現像剤担持体３に対するシール体２の
押付圧も小さくなり、現像剤担持体３の両端部に向かう
現像剤Ｄの移動を規制しきれなくなり、現像剤Ｄの飛散
が発生してしまう。(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device according to a fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the seal body 2
And the pressing pressure on the layer thickness regulating member 1 are made different. That is, the developer carrier 3
In order to prevent the regulation of the movement of the developer D to both ends of the seal member 2, it is desirable to increase the pressure of the seal body 2 against the developer carrier 3. The thickness regulation member 1 is deformed, the contact condition of the layer thickness regulation member 1 in the vicinity of the seal member 2 with the developer carrier 3 changes, and the thickness of the developer thin layer T becomes inconsistent and the image May be disturbed, or the developer carrier 3 and the layer thickness regulating body 1 may be damaged. On the other hand, in order to obtain an image without disturbance and to prevent the developer carrier 3 and the layer thickness regulator 1 from being damaged, when the pressing pressure of the seal body 2 against the layer thickness regulator 1 is reduced, the developer The pressing pressure of the seal body 2 against the carrier 3 is also reduced, so that the movement of the developer D toward both ends of the developer carrier 3 cannot be restricted, and the developer D is scattered.
【００３８】そこで、シール体２による現像剤担持体３
および層厚規制体１への押付圧をそれぞれに適した押付
圧にすればよい。そのため、シール体２を保持する現像
剤ケース４の突設片６の形状が、シール体２の現像剤担
持体３の表面に接触している部分では厚く、層厚規制体
１に接触している部分では薄くする。これにより、シー
ル体２として硬度２０度、厚さ６ｍｍのウレタンスポン
ジを使用して、現像剤担持体３の表面に接触している部
分の圧縮率が５０％、層厚規制体１に接触している部分
の圧縮率が７７％となるようにして、現像剤担持体３に
対する押付圧を層厚規制体１に対する押付圧より大きく
する。その他の構成は第１実施形態と同じである。Therefore, the developer carrier 3 by the seal 2
What is necessary is just to make the pressing pressure with respect to the layer thickness regulation body 1 into the pressing pressure suitable for each. Therefore, the shape of the projecting piece 6 of the developer case 4 that holds the seal body 2 is thick at the portion of the seal body 2 that is in contact with the surface of the developer carrier 3, and is in contact with the layer thickness regulating body 1. Where it is thin. As a result, a urethane sponge having a hardness of 20 degrees and a thickness of 6 mm is used as the seal body 2, and the compression ratio of the portion in contact with the surface of the developer carrier 3 is 50%, The pressing pressure on the developer carrying member 3 is set to be larger than the pressing pressure on the layer thickness regulating member 1 so that the compression ratio of the portion where the pressure is applied becomes 77%. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
【００３９】したがって、シール体２は、現像剤担持体
３には大きな押付圧で接触するので、現像剤担持体３に
対する余分な現像剤Ｄの供給が抑止され、現像剤担持体
３の両端部への現像剤Ｄの移動がなくなる。一方、層厚
規制体１に対しては小さな押付圧で接触するので、層厚
規制体１が変形せずシール体２近傍の層厚規制体１の現
像剤担持体３に対する接触条件が変化しない。そのた
め、現像剤薄層Ｔの厚さが一定となり、安定した画像を
得ることができ、画像の乱れが生じるといったことを防
止できる。また、現像剤担持体３や層厚規制体１の破損
も防止できる。Accordingly, since the seal member 2 contacts the developer carrier 3 with a large pressing pressure, the supply of the excess developer D to the developer carrier 3 is suppressed, and both ends of the developer carrier 3 are prevented. Transfer of the developer D to the developer is eliminated. On the other hand, since the layer thickness regulating body 1 comes into contact with a small pressing pressure, the layer thickness regulating body 1 is not deformed and the contact condition of the layer thickness regulating body 1 near the seal body 2 with the developer carrier 3 does not change. . Therefore, the thickness of the developer thin layer T becomes constant, a stable image can be obtained, and the occurrence of image disturbance can be prevented. In addition, breakage of the developer carrier 3 and the layer thickness regulating body 1 can be prevented.
【００４０】また他の方法として、図９に示すように、
シール体２を現像剤担持体３の表面に接触する高圧シー
ル部材１４と層厚規制体１の裏面に接触する低圧シール
部材１５とに分割した構造とする。高圧シール部材１４
として硬度４０度のソリッド状のゴム、低圧シール部材
１５として硬度１０度のウレタンスポンジを使用して、
高圧シール部材１４の押付圧が低圧シール部材１５の押
付圧よりも大とする。As another method, as shown in FIG.
The seal body 2 is divided into a high-pressure seal member 14 that contacts the surface of the developer carrier 3 and a low-pressure seal member 15 that contacts the back surface of the layer thickness regulating body 1. High pressure seal member 14
Using a solid rubber having a hardness of 40 degrees and a urethane sponge having a hardness of 10 degrees as the low-pressure sealing member 15,
The pressing pressure of the high-pressure seal member 14 is larger than the pressing pressure of the low-pressure seal member 15.
【００４１】このようにすることにより、高圧シール部
材１４は現像剤担持体３に大きな押付圧で接触して、現
像剤担持体３への余分な現像剤Ｄの供給を抑止する。一
方、低圧シール部材１５は層厚規制体１に対して小さな
押付圧で接触するため、層厚規制体１が変形しにくくな
り、画像の乱れをなくすことができるとともに、現像剤
担持体３や層厚規制体１の破損を防止できる。By doing so, the high-pressure seal member 14 comes into contact with the developer carrier 3 with a large pressing pressure, and the supply of the excess developer D to the developer carrier 3 is suppressed. On the other hand, since the low-pressure seal member 15 contacts the layer thickness regulating body 1 with a small pressing pressure, the layer thickness regulating body 1 is less likely to be deformed, and the image can be prevented from being disturbed. The breakage of the layer thickness regulating body 1 can be prevented.
【００４２】さらに、他の方法として、シール体２の内
部において圧縮率を変化させることにより、押付圧を最
適化する。すなわち、図１０に示すように、シール体２
として、硬度２０度のウレタンスポンジを使用して階段
状に形成し、現像剤担持体３に接触する領域１６の厚さ
を層厚規制体１に接触する領域１７の厚さより厚くす
る。そして、現像剤ケース４の突設片６によりシール体
２を保持したとき、シール体２は圧縮されて厚みが一定
となり、図２に示すような状態となる。このとき、現像
剤担持体３の表面に接触する領域１６の圧縮率は５０
％、層厚規制体１に接触する領域１７の圧縮率は７７％
となるように、シール体２の厚さが設定されている。な
お、現像剤ケース４の突設片６の形状は、シール体２の
圧縮時の厚みが一様になるように階段状に形成しておく
とよい。Further, as another method, the pressing pressure is optimized by changing the compression ratio inside the seal body 2. That is, as shown in FIG.
A step 16 is formed using a urethane sponge having a hardness of 20 degrees, and the thickness of the region 16 contacting the developer carrier 3 is made larger than the thickness of the region 17 contacting the layer thickness regulating body 1. Then, when the seal body 2 is held by the projecting piece 6 of the developer case 4, the seal body 2 is compressed to have a constant thickness, and is in a state as shown in FIG. At this time, the compression ratio of the region 16 in contact with the surface of the developer carrier 3 is 50
%, The compression ratio of the area 17 in contact with the layer thickness regulating body 1 is 77%
The thickness of the seal body 2 is set so that Note that the shape of the projecting piece 6 of the developer case 4 may be formed in a step shape so that the thickness of the seal body 2 when compressed is uniform.
【００４３】これにより、シール体２は現像剤担持体３
には大きな押付圧で接触して、現像剤担持体３への余分
な現像剤Ｄの供給を抑止し、層厚規制体１に対しては小
さな押付圧で接触するため、層厚規制体１の変形を防ぐ
ことにより画像の乱れを防止できる。また、現像剤担持
体３や層厚規制体１の破損も防止できる。しかも、シー
ル体２を分割しない構造なので継目ができず、継目から
の現像剤Ｄの漏れ出しが防止でき、よりシール性を高め
ることができる。As a result, the seal body 2 becomes the developer carrier 3
Is contacted with a large pressing pressure to suppress the supply of the excess developer D to the developer carrier 3 and contacts the layer thickness regulating body 1 with a small pressing pressure. By preventing the deformation of the image, the disturbance of the image can be prevented. In addition, breakage of the developer carrier 3 and the layer thickness regulating body 1 can be prevented. In addition, since the seal body 2 is not divided, a seam cannot be formed, the leakage of the developer D from the seam can be prevented, and the sealing property can be further improved.
【００４４】さらに、他の方法として、図１１に示すよ
うに、第１実施形態のシール体２に対して、現像剤担持
体３の表面に接触する部分の裏面に移動自在な当接片１
８を当接させ、これをコイルばね１９、あるいは板ばね
により押圧して、シール体２の現像剤担持体３に対する
押付圧を大きくしてもよい。Further, as another method, as shown in FIG. 11, the contact piece 1 movable on the back surface of the portion contacting the surface of the developer carrier 3 with respect to the seal body 2 of the first embodiment.
8 may be brought into contact with each other and pressed by a coil spring 19 or a leaf spring to increase the pressing pressure of the seal body 2 against the developer carrier 3.
【００４５】（第５実施形態）図１２は第５実施形態の
現像装置の要部を示す側面図である。本実施形態では、
シール体２の内側縁２ａの上流側端部が切り欠かれ、傾
斜面２０となっている。これにより、現像剤担持体３上
を搬送される現像剤Ｄは、シール体２により長手方向へ
の移動が規制されるが、規制しきれなかった現像剤Ｄは
シール体２の傾斜面２０によって現像剤担持体３の長手
方向内側に向かって案内される。そのため、現像剤Ｄを
傾斜面２０に沿って内側へ向かうように案内することに
より、現像剤担持体３の両端部への現像剤Ｄの移動を確
実に規制でき、余分な現像剤Ｄの供給を防止できる。(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a side view showing a main part of a developing device according to a fifth embodiment. In this embodiment,
The upstream end of the inner edge 2 a of the seal body 2 is cut out to form an inclined surface 20. As a result, the movement of the developer D conveyed on the developer carrier 3 in the longitudinal direction is regulated by the seal body 2, but the developer D that cannot be regulated is prevented by the inclined surface 20 of the seal body 2. The developer carrier 3 is guided toward the inside in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by guiding the developer D inward along the inclined surface 20, the movement of the developer D to both ends of the developer carrier 3 can be reliably regulated, and the supply of the excess developer D is performed. Can be prevented.
【００４６】また、シール体２の一部に傾斜面２０を設
ける代わりに、搬送方向上流側から下流側にかけて各シ
ール体２の間隔が狭まるようにシール体２を傾けて配し
てもよい。Further, instead of providing the inclined surface 20 in a part of the seal body 2, the seal body 2 may be inclined and arranged so that the interval between the seal bodies 2 is reduced from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction.
【００４７】（第６実施形態）図１３は第６実施形態の
現像装置の断面図である。本実施形態では、シール体２
は、現像剤ケース４からの現像剤Ｄの漏れを防止するよ
うに現像剤担持体３と現像剤ケース４との間に配置して
いる。すなわち、シール体２の一端は、現像剤ケース４
と層厚規制体１との固定部分を覆い、他端は現像剤担持
体３と現像剤ケース４の開口との隙間を覆うことによ
り、シール体２は層厚規制体１と現像剤ケース４間のシ
ール材８および現像剤担持体３と現像剤ケース４間のシ
ール材９を一体化した構造とされる。他の構成は第１実
施形態と同じである。(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a developing device according to a sixth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the seal body 2
Is disposed between the developer carrier 3 and the developer case 4 to prevent the developer D from leaking from the developer case 4. That is, one end of the seal body 2 is
The sealing body 2 covers the fixed portion between the layer thickness regulating body 1 and the developer case 4, and the other end covers the gap between the developer carrier 3 and the opening of the developer case 4. The seal member 8 between the developer carrier 3 and the seal member 9 between the developer case 3 and the developer case 4 are integrated. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
【００４８】これにより、シール体２は本来の現像剤Ｄ
の両端部へ向かう移動を規制する機能の他に現像剤ケー
ス４のシール機能も有することになり、シール材がなく
ても輸送時の振動、衝撃などによって現像剤ケース４か
らの現像剤Ｄの漏れ出しを防止することができる。した
がって、シール体２をシール材と一体化することによっ
て、これらのシール材を省略することができ、簡単な構
造で現像剤ケース４の隙間をシールできる。As a result, the seal member 2 is made of the original developer D
Has a function of sealing the developer case 4 in addition to the function of restricting the movement of the developer D toward both ends. Even if there is no seal material, the developer D from the developer case 4 may be affected by vibration, impact, and the like during transportation. Leakage can be prevented. Therefore, by integrating the seal member 2 with the seal member, these seal members can be omitted, and the gap of the developer case 4 can be sealed with a simple structure.
【００４９】（第７実施形態）図１４は第７実施形態の
現像装置の断面図、図１５は現像装置の要部を示す斜視
図、図１６は同じく側面図である。本実施形態では、現
像剤担持体３の表面に摺接して所定の層厚の現像剤層Ｔ
を現像剤担持体３上に形成する層厚規制体２０と、現像
剤担持体３に接触して長手方向への現像剤担持体３上の
現像剤Ｄの移動を規制するシール体２１とが設けられて
いる。(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a developing device according to a seventh embodiment, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a main part of the developing device, and FIG. 16 is a side view of the same. In this embodiment, the developer layer T having a predetermined thickness is slid in contact with the surface of the developer carrier 3.
Is formed on the developer carrier 3, and a seal body 21 that contacts the developer carrier 3 and regulates the movement of the developer D on the developer carrier 3 in the longitudinal direction. Is provided.
【００５０】層厚規制体２０は、一端が長手方向の全域
に渡って取付板２２を介して現像剤ケース４に固定さ
れ、現像剤担持体３と接触しない裏面の先端部において
長手方向の端部が現像剤ケース４内の突設片６に接着部
材２３により接着されている。The layer thickness regulating body 20 has one end fixed to the developer case 4 via the mounting plate 22 over the entire area in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal end at the front end of the back surface which does not contact the developer carrier 3. The portion is adhered to the projecting piece 6 in the developer case 4 by an adhesive member 23.
【００５１】接着部材２３としては、エポキシ系あるい
はアクリル系等の樹脂系の瞬間接着剤を用いる。ここ
で、接着剤を用いる場合、塗布作業するときに、接着剤
が他の箇所、例えば現像剤担持体３に付着するといった
作業上の不具合、あるいは塗布後に接着剤が流れて他の
箇所に付着するといった問題がある。そこで、作業性を
考慮して、両面に粘着剤を有する粘着テープ、いわゆる
両面テープを用いるとよい。これによって、たれるとい
った心配がなく、作業性においても、まず層厚規制体２
０に両面テープを貼っておき、これを現像剤ケース４に
貼り付ければよいので、作業がしやすくなって、作業上
の不具合を解消することができ、歩留り率が接着剤に比
べて格段によくなる。As the adhesive member 23, a resin-based instant adhesive such as an epoxy-based or acrylic-based resin is used. Here, in the case where an adhesive is used, when applying the adhesive, there is a problem in the operation that the adhesive adheres to another portion, for example, the developer carrier 3, or the adhesive flows and adheres to another portion after the application. Problem. Therefore, in consideration of workability, an adhesive tape having an adhesive on both sides, that is, a so-called double-sided tape may be used. As a result, there is no fear of sagging, and in terms of workability, first, the layer thickness regulating body 2
0, a double-sided tape may be attached to the developer case 4, so that the work becomes easier and troubles in work can be eliminated, and the yield rate is much higher than that of the adhesive. Get better.
【００５２】この層厚規制体２０は、厚み０．１ｍｍの
ステンレス薄板を使用し、長手方向の幅は現像剤担持体
３の幅よりも小とされ、表面の先端部もしくは近傍が現
像剤担持体３の長手方向に渡って接触している。そし
て、層厚規制体２０の現像剤ケース４との固定部から現
像剤担持体３との接触部までの距離は１０ｍｍ、たわみ
量は１ｍｍである。このように、層厚規制体２０自身の
弾性によって層厚規制体２０を現像剤担持体３に一様な
力で押し付けることによって、安定した現像剤薄層Ｔの
層厚と電荷量が得られる。なお、層厚規制体２０の幅
は、現像剤担持体３の幅と同じかあるいは大としてもよ
い。The layer thickness regulating body 20 is made of a stainless steel thin plate having a thickness of 0.1 mm, the width in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the width of the developer carrying body 3, and the front end portion or the vicinity of the surface bears the developer carrying body. The body 3 is in contact over the longitudinal direction. The distance from the fixed portion of the layer thickness regulating body 20 to the developer case 4 to the contact portion with the developer carrier 3 is 10 mm, and the amount of deflection is 1 mm. As described above, the layer thickness regulating body 20 is pressed against the developer carrier 3 with a uniform force by the elasticity of the layer thickness regulating body 20 itself, whereby a stable layer thickness and charge amount of the developer thin layer T can be obtained. . The width of the layer thickness regulating body 20 may be equal to or larger than the width of the developer carrier 3.
【００５３】シール体２１は、層厚規制体２０に重なる
ことなく層厚規制体２０の先端に接触するようにこれよ
りも上流側で、かつ現像剤担持体３の両端部の近傍に配
置され、現像剤ケース４内の突設片６にその裏面が保持
されている。シール体２１の内側縁２１ａが現像剤担持
体３の側縁３ａと像担体５上の画像領域Ｉの側縁の延長
線との間に位置するように、一対のシール体２１は離間
されている。なお、その他の構成は上記実施形態と同じ
でよく、シール体２１の構造として、上記の各実施形態
に記載されたものを適用して、その効果を発揮させても
よい。The seal body 21 is disposed upstream of the layer thickness regulating body 20 and near both ends of the developer carrier 3 so as to contact the tip of the layer thickness regulating body 20 without overlapping the layer thickness regulating body 20. The back surface is held by a projecting piece 6 in the developer case 4. The pair of seal members 21 are separated so that the inner edge 21a of the seal member 21 is located between the side edge 3a of the developer carrier 3 and an extension of the side edge of the image area I on the image carrier 5. I have. Note that the other configuration may be the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and the effect described above may be exerted by applying the structure described in each of the above-described embodiments as the structure of the seal body 21.
【００５４】ここでは、層厚規制体２０の両側縁２０ａ
が現像剤担持体３の表面に直接触れるが、シール体２１
によって押し付けられていないので、現像剤担持体３と
層厚規制体２０の両側縁２０ａとの接触による局部的な
破損は生じず、現像剤担持体３の両端部への現像剤Ｄの
供給過多が発生することはない。Here, both side edges 20a of the layer thickness regulating body 20
Touches the surface of the developer carrier 3 directly,
Is not pressed, the contact between the developer carrier 3 and the side edges 20 a of the layer thickness regulating body 20 does not cause local damage, and the supply of the developer D to both ends of the developer carrier 3 is excessive. Does not occur.
【００５５】上記構成において、矢印方向に回転する現
像剤担持体３の表面に現像剤ケース４内の現像剤Ｄが適
量ずつ供給されるとき、シール体２１が現像剤Ｄの移動
を規制するため、現像剤担持体３の両端部には現像剤Ｄ
は過剰供給されない。In the above configuration, when the developer D in the developer case 4 is supplied in an appropriate amount to the surface of the developer carrier 3 rotating in the direction of the arrow, the seal body 21 regulates the movement of the developer D. The developer D is provided on both ends of the developer carrier 3.
Is not oversupplied.
【００５６】両シール体２１の間において現像剤担持体
３に供給された現像剤Ｄは、層厚規制体２０によりその
層厚が規制され、現像剤担持体３上に現像剤薄層Ｔが形
成される。これにより現像剤Ｄが摩擦帯電され、現像に
必要な電荷が付与され、この現像剤薄層Ｔは、現像剤担
持体３の回転により像担体５と現像剤担持体３が接触も
しくは近接した現像位置まで搬送され、現像に供され
る。このとき、層厚規制体２０の先端部では、表面は現
像剤担持体３に押し付けられ、両端部の裏面は現像剤ケ
ース４に接着されているため、層厚規制体２０の先端部
近傍においては隙間がなく、規制された現像剤Ｄが漏れ
ることはない。The layer thickness of the developer D supplied to the developer carrier 3 between the two seals 21 is regulated by the layer thickness regulator 20, and the developer thin layer T is formed on the developer carrier 3. It is formed. As a result, the developer D is triboelectrically charged, and a charge required for development is given. This developer thin layer T is developed by the rotation of the developer carrier 3 so that the image carrier 5 and the developer carrier 3 come into contact with or close to each other. It is transported to a position and is subjected to development. At this time, the front surface of the layer thickness regulating body 20 is pressed against the developer carrier 3 and the back surfaces of both ends are adhered to the developer case 4. Has no gap, and the regulated developer D does not leak.
【００５７】このように、接着剤あるいは粘着テープが
シールとしての機能を果たすことになり、一対のシール
体２１とともに、現像剤Ｄが現像剤担持体３の非画像領
域に相当する両端部へ移動することを防止する。したが
って、現像剤担持体３の両端部には現像剤Ｄが過剰に供
給されないので、現像に供されない現像剤Ｄが飛散する
ということはなく、現像剤Ｄの飛散による機内汚染、現
像剤Ｄの消費量の増加等の不都合を防止できる。As described above, the adhesive or the adhesive tape functions as a seal, and the developer D moves to the both ends corresponding to the non-image area of the developer carrier 3 together with the pair of seals 21. To prevent Therefore, the developer D is not supplied excessively to both ends of the developer carrier 3, so that the developer D not used for development does not scatter, the inside of the developer due to the scatter of the developer D, and the developer D Inconveniences such as an increase in consumption can be prevented.
【００５８】なお、シール体２１が層厚規制体２０に重
なるように接触させて、層厚規制体２０の裏面をシール
体２１に直接接着しても、同様に現像剤Ｄのシール効果
を得ることができる。It should be noted that the sealing effect of the developer D is similarly obtained even when the sealing body 21 is brought into contact with the layer thickness regulating body 20 so as to overlap and the back surface of the layer thickness regulating body 20 is directly adhered to the sealing body 21. be able to.
【００５９】次に、層厚規制体２０の他の実施形態とし
て、図１７，１８に示すように、長手方向の中央が現像
剤担持体３に向かうような湾曲した形状とされる。そし
て、上記と同様に、一端が現像剤ケース４に固定され、
先端部はその両端が現像剤ケース４内の突設片６に接着
されて固定されているが、両端部は現像剤担持体３から
離間して配置され、表面側に現像剤担持体３を支持する
現像剤ケース４の受け部４ａが当接している。すなわ
ち、現像剤担持体３がない場合は、図１８（ａ）に示す
ように、長手方向の中央が現像剤ケース４の外側に向か
って突出した状態に反っており、現像剤担持体３がある
場合は、図１８（ｂ）に示すように、現像剤担持体３の
表面に沿って接触した状態となる。シール体２１等その
他の構成は上記実施形態と同じである。Next, as another embodiment of the layer thickness regulating body 20, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the layer thickness regulating body 20 has a curved shape such that the center in the longitudinal direction faces the developer carrier 3. Then, as described above, one end is fixed to the developer case 4,
The front end has both ends adhered and fixed to the protruding piece 6 in the developer case 4, but both ends are arranged apart from the developer carrier 3, and the developer carrier 3 is attached to the surface side. The receiving portion 4a of the developer case 4 to be supported abuts. That is, when the developer carrier 3 is not provided, as shown in FIG. 18A, the center in the longitudinal direction is warped so as to protrude toward the outside of the developer case 4, and the developer carrier 3 is In some cases, as shown in FIG. 18B, the developer carrier 3 comes into contact with the surface of the developer carrier 3. Other configurations such as the seal body 21 are the same as those in the above embodiment.
【００６０】これによって、層厚規制体２０と現像剤担
持体３との接触面積が増大し、層厚規制体２０を広範囲
に渡って現像剤担持体３に一様な力で押し付けることが
できる。ところで、層厚規制体２０が現像剤担持体３に
接触する領域は、少なくとも像担体５の画像領域Ｉより
大きく、またその側縁２０ａはシール体２１の内側縁２
１ａよりも外側に達していればよい。As a result, the contact area between the layer thickness regulating body 20 and the developer carrier 3 increases, and the layer thickness regulating body 20 can be pressed against the developer carrier 3 over a wide range with a uniform force. . Incidentally, the area where the layer thickness regulating body 20 contacts the developer carrier 3 is at least larger than the image area I of the image carrier 5, and its side edge 20 a is the inner edge 2 of the seal body 21.
What is necessary is that it reaches the outside of 1a.
【００６１】したがって、層厚規制体２０によって規制
された現像剤Ｄが層厚規制体２０の裏面に沿って両端部
に向けて移動しても、接着部材２３により現像剤ケース
４との間がシールされているので、現像剤Ｄは現像剤担
持体３の両端部には到達することはできない。そのた
め、このような構造の層厚規制体２０とシール体２１と
により、現像剤担持体３の両端部には現像剤Ｄが過剰に
供給されず、現像に供されない現像剤Ｄが飛散するとい
うことはなく、現像剤Ｄの飛散による機内汚染、現像剤
Ｄの消費量の増加等の不都合を防止できる。Therefore, even if the developer D regulated by the layer thickness regulating body 20 moves toward both ends along the back surface of the layer thickness regulating body 20, the gap between the developer D and the developer case 4 is maintained by the adhesive member 23. Since the seal is sealed, the developer D cannot reach both ends of the developer carrier 3. Therefore, the developer D is not supplied excessively to both ends of the developer carrier 3 by the layer thickness regulating body 20 and the seal body 21 having such a structure, and the developer D not used for development is scattered. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as contamination inside the apparatus due to scattering of the developer D and an increase in consumption of the developer D.
【００６２】ここで、上記の層厚規制体２０の両端部は
現像剤ケース４に取り付けられ、例えば湾曲させること
によって層厚規制体２０が現像剤担持体３に押し付けら
れている。しかし、現像剤担持体３の外形のふれ、ある
いは現像剤ケース４の接着面高さのばらつき等の形状、
取り付け精度のばらつきにより、層厚規制体２０の両端
部は現像剤担持体３と非接触状態になってしまうので、
安定した現像剤層Ｔの層厚を得るためには、必ず接触す
るように層厚規制体２０を現像剤担持体３に食い込ませ
る必要がある。Here, both end portions of the above-mentioned layer thickness regulating body 20 are attached to the developer case 4, and the layer thickness regulating body 20 is pressed against the developer carrier 3 by, for example, bending. However, the shape of the developer carrier 3 such as the outer shape of the developer carrier 3 or the variation of the height of the adhesive surface of the developer case 4 may be reduced.
Because both ends of the layer thickness regulating body 20 come into non-contact with the developer carrier 3 due to variation in the mounting accuracy,
In order to obtain a stable layer thickness of the developer layer T, it is necessary to make the layer thickness regulating body 20 bite into the developer carrier 3 so as to be always in contact.
【００６３】ところで、現像剤担持体３の外形が最も大
きくなり、かつ層厚規制体２０の接着面が最も高くなっ
た場合、層厚規制体２０が現像剤担持体３に最も食い込
むことになり、層厚規制体２０と現像剤担持体３との間
の摩擦が増加するので、回転トルクが大きくなり、現像
剤担持体３を駆動するモータ等の駆動源に大きな負荷を
与えてしまう。When the outer shape of the developer carrying member 3 is the largest and the bonding surface of the layer thickness regulating body 20 is the highest, the layer thickness regulating body 20 will bite into the developer carrying member 3 most. Since the friction between the layer thickness regulating body 20 and the developer carrier 3 increases, the rotational torque increases and a large load is applied to a drive source such as a motor for driving the developer carrier 3.
【００６４】そこで、このような取り付け精度等のばら
つきの影響を受けないようにするためには、導電性のウ
レタンゴム、ニトリルゴム（ＮＢＲ）等の軟質ゴム材料
が使用される現像剤担持体３の硬度が重要となる。すな
わち、現像剤担持体３の硬度がアスカーＣ（高分子計器
株式会社製のゴム硬度計、日本ゴム協会の標準規格ＳＲ
ＩＳ０１０１に準拠）での測定による６５度以下とされ
る。なお、これは、ＪＩＳ Ｋ６３０１に準拠した硬度
では４０度以下に相当し、またＡＳＴＭ Ｄ２２４０に
準拠した硬度では約２６度以下に相当する。なお、硬度
の下限については、軟質ゴム材料を使用する限り、制限
はない。In order to avoid the influence of such a variation in the mounting accuracy, the developer carrier 3 made of a soft rubber material such as conductive urethane rubber or nitrile rubber (NBR) is used. Hardness is important. That is, the hardness of the developer carrier 3 is Asker C (rubber hardness meter manufactured by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd.
(According to IS0101) is 65 degrees or less. Note that this corresponds to 40 degrees or less in hardness according to JIS K6301 and about 26 degrees or less in hardness according to ASTM D2240. The lower limit of the hardness is not limited as long as a soft rubber material is used.
【００６５】このように、現像剤担持体３の硬度を規定
値より低くすることにより、層厚規制体２０が現像剤担
持体３に最も食い込んだ状態になった場合において、現
像剤担持体３の表面では弾性変形しやすいので、層厚規
制体２０と現像剤担持体３との間の摩擦が大きくなら
ず、摩擦抵抗による回転トルクの増大が生じない。した
がって、現像剤担持体３の駆動源には負荷がかからず、
駆動トルクを軽減することができ、画像形成装置全体の
トルク軽減を図れ、駆動源として低コストなモータを使
用することが可能となる。As described above, by making the hardness of the developer carrier 3 lower than the specified value, when the layer thickness regulating member 20 is in the state where the layer thickness control member 20 is most bite into the developer carrier 3, the developer carrier 3 is hardened. Is easily deformed elastically on the surface, the friction between the layer thickness regulating body 20 and the developer carrier 3 does not increase, and the rotational torque does not increase due to frictional resistance. Therefore, no load is applied to the drive source of the developer carrier 3,
The driving torque can be reduced, the torque of the entire image forming apparatus can be reduced, and a low-cost motor can be used as a driving source.
【００６６】表１に現像剤担持体３に導電性のウレタン
ゴム製ローラを用いて、アスカーＣによるウレタンゴム
のゴム硬度を５０度〜７５度まで条件を変えて、回転ト
ルクの測定実験を行った結果を示す。層厚規制体１は厚
み０．１ｍｍのステンレス薄板を使用し、一端は現像剤
ケース４に固定されており、層厚規制体１自身の弾性に
よって現像剤担持体３に押し付けられている。層厚規制
体１の現像剤ケース４との固定部から現像剤担持体３と
の接触部までの距離は１０ｍｍ、たわみ量は１ｍｍであ
る。Table 1 shows an experiment for measuring the rotational torque by using a conductive urethane rubber roller as the developer carrier 3 and changing the rubber hardness of the urethane rubber by Asker C from 50 to 75 degrees. The results are shown below. The layer thickness regulator 1 is made of a stainless steel thin plate having a thickness of 0.1 mm, and one end is fixed to the developer case 4 and is pressed against the developer carrier 3 by the elasticity of the layer thickness regulator 1 itself. The distance from the fixed portion of the layer thickness regulating body 1 to the developer case 4 to the contact portion with the developer carrier 3 is 10 mm, and the amount of deflection is 1 mm.
【００６７】表１により、ゴム硬度の増加に伴って現像
剤担持体３の回転トルクが増加しており、ゴム硬度が６
５度以上で急激に回転トルクが増加しているのが分か
る。なお、層厚規制体２０の両端部が現像剤ケースに接
着されていても層厚規制体２０自身の弾性によって現像
剤担持体３に押し付けられていることに変わりはないの
で、上記の結果は当てはまる。According to Table 1, the rotational torque of the developer carrier 3 increases with the increase of the rubber hardness.
It can be seen that the rotational torque sharply increases at 5 degrees or more. Note that even if both end portions of the layer thickness regulating body 20 are adhered to the developer case, the elasticity of the layer thickness regulating body 20 itself is still pressed against the developer carrier 3. apply.
【００６８】[0068]
【表１】 [Table 1]
【００６９】また、取り付け精度等のばらつきの影響を
受けないようにするための別の方法としては、現像剤担
持体３の長手方向の両端における硬度を中央における硬
度より低くする。具体的には、現像剤担持体３として、
１種類の軟質ゴム材料を使用して、硬度が中央から端部
に向けて徐々に低くなる傾斜特性を有せしめたり、ある
いは硬度の異なる複数の軟質ゴム材料を接合したものと
する。接合する箇所は、像担体５の画像領域Ｉよりも外
側に対応するところにしておけば、現像剤担持体３に現
像剤層Ｔが形成されても硬度の違いや接合部分による画
像への影響はない。As another method for preventing the influence of variations in mounting accuracy and the like, the hardness at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier 3 is made lower than the hardness at the center. Specifically, as the developer carrier 3,
It is assumed that one kind of soft rubber material is used to have a gradient characteristic in which the hardness gradually decreases from the center to the end, or that a plurality of soft rubber materials having different hardnesses are joined. If the bonding portion is located outside the image area I of the image carrier 5, even if the developer layer T is formed on the developer carrier 3, the difference in hardness and the effect on the image due to the bonding portion may occur. There is no.
【００７０】すなわち、取り付け精度等のばらつきの影
響を最も受けるのは、層厚規制体２０の両端部であるの
で、ここが現像剤担持体３に食い込み、中央よりも摩擦
抵抗が大きくなる。そこで、この両端部の硬度を中央よ
りも低くすることにより、両端部が現像剤担持体３に食
い込んだ状態でも摩擦が低減され、回転トルクの増大を
防げる。しかも、中央部分では、ある程度の硬度がある
ので、層厚規制体２０と現像剤担持体３との接触状態を
良好に維持でき、一様な押し付け力が得られ、現像剤層
Ｔの層厚を安定させることができる。That is, since the both ends of the layer thickness regulating body 20 are most affected by the variation in the mounting accuracy and the like, this bites into the developer carrier 3 and the frictional resistance becomes larger than that in the center. Therefore, by setting the hardness of the both ends lower than that of the center, the friction is reduced even when the both ends bite into the developer carrying member 3, and an increase in the rotational torque can be prevented. In addition, since the central portion has a certain degree of hardness, the contact state between the layer thickness regulating body 20 and the developer carrier 3 can be maintained in good condition, a uniform pressing force can be obtained, and the layer thickness of the developer layer T can be improved. Can be stabilized.
【００７１】なお、本発明は、上記実施形態に限定され
るものではなく、本発明の範囲内で上記実施形態に多く
の修正および変更を加え得ることは勿論である。例え
ば、第１〜第６実施形態において、シール体の内側縁が
現像剤担持体の側縁と画像領域の側縁との間にあればよ
く、シール体の外側縁を現像剤担持体の側縁と一致する
位置あるいは外側に位置させて、シール体が現像剤担持
体の両端部を覆うようにしてもよい。It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that many modifications and changes can be made to the above-described embodiment within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the first to sixth embodiments, the inner edge of the seal may be between the side edge of the developer carrier and the side edge of the image area, and the outer edge of the seal may be located on the side of the developer carrier. The seal may cover both ends of the developer carrier at a position corresponding to the edge or at the outside.
【００７２】また、各シール体の一端を右ねじおよび左
ねじを刻んだ支持棒にそれぞれ螺合し、支持棒をモータ
等により回転させることにより各シール体を互いに反対
方向に移動させる。これによって、一対のシール体の間
隔を像担体上に形成される静電潜像の幅に応じて可変で
き、現像剤担持体への余分な現像剤の供給をより一層抑
止することができる。Further, one end of each of the seals is screwed into a support rod having a right-handed screw and a left-handed screw, respectively, and the seal is rotated by a motor or the like to move the seals in opposite directions. Thus, the distance between the pair of seals can be changed according to the width of the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, and the supply of excess developer to the developer carrier can be further suppressed.
【００７３】[0073]
【発明の効果】以上の説明から明らかな通り、本発明に
よると、層厚規制体の長手方向の幅が現像剤担持体の長
手方向の幅より大とされ、シール体の側縁が現像剤担持
体の側縁よりも内側寄りに位置しているので、現像剤担
持体の両端部には現像剤が過剰に供給されず、現像に供
されない現像剤の飛散がなくなり、機内汚染、現像剤の
消費量の増加等の不都合を防止できる。しかも、層厚規
制体の両側縁が現像剤担持体の表面に直接触れることが
なくなり、現像剤担持体と層厚規制体の両側縁との接触
による局部的な破損を防げ、この破損による現像剤飛散
等の悪影響を防止できる。As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the width in the longitudinal direction of the layer thickness regulating member is made larger than the longitudinal width of the developer carrier, and the side edge of the seal member is Since the developer is located closer to the inside than the side edges of the carrier, the developer is not supplied excessively to both ends of the developer carrier, and the developer that is not used for development is not scattered. Inconveniences, such as an increase in the amount of consumption, can be prevented. In addition, both side edges of the layer thickness regulating body do not directly contact the surface of the developer carrying member, so that local damage due to contact between the developer carrying body and both side edges of the layer thickness regulating body can be prevented. Adverse effects such as scattering of the agent can be prevented.
【００７４】特に、シール体として弾性の異なる複数の
シール部材を組み合わせたものにすることにより、１つ
のシール体において長手方向への現像剤の移動を規制す
る作用および規制しきれなかった現像剤を拭い取る作用
を持たせることができ、シール体の機能をより一層向上
させることができる。In particular, by using a combination of a plurality of seal members having different elasticity as the seal member, the action of restricting the movement of the developer in the longitudinal direction in one seal member and the developer that cannot be completely regulated are eliminated. The function of wiping can be provided, and the function of the seal body can be further improved.
【００７５】あるいは、シール体の現像剤担持体に対す
る押付圧を層厚規制体に対する押付圧より大にすること
により、現像剤担持体に対する余分な現像剤の供給を抑
止して、現像剤担持体の両端部への現像剤の移動をなく
すことができるとともに、層厚規制体の変形を防止し
て、現像剤の層厚を一定にでき、乱れのない画像が得ら
れる。Alternatively, the pressure of the seal member against the developer carrier is made larger than the pressure against the layer thickness regulating member, so that the supply of excess developer to the developer carrier is suppressed, and the developer carrier is prevented from being supplied. In addition, the movement of the developer to both ends can be eliminated, the deformation of the layer thickness regulating body can be prevented, the layer thickness of the developer can be kept constant, and an image without disturbance can be obtained.
【００７６】また、シール体の内側縁を傾斜させること
により、現像剤担持体上の現像剤を内側寄りに案内する
ことができるので、現像剤の現像剤担持体両端部への移
動を確実に規制することができる。By inclining the inner edge of the seal, the developer on the developer carrier can be guided toward the inside, so that the developer can be surely moved to both ends of the developer carrier. Can be regulated.
【００７７】そして、シール体を現像剤担持体と現像剤
ケースとの隙間や層厚規制体と現像剤ケースとの隙間を
覆うように配置することにより、シール体によってこれ
らの隙間からの現像剤の漏れ出しを防止できる。したが
って、専用のシール材を設ける必要がなくなり、部材の
削減や取り付け作業の簡略化を図れる。The seal member is disposed so as to cover the gap between the developer carrier and the developer case and the gap between the layer thickness regulating member and the developer case. Can be prevented from leaking. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated sealing material, and the number of members can be reduced and the mounting operation can be simplified.
【００７８】さらに、本発明によると、層厚規制体の現
像剤担持体に接触する表面とは反対側の裏面において、
その長手方向の端部が現像剤ケースに接着剤あるいは両
面に粘着剤を有する粘着テープによって接着されている
ので、層厚規制体の両端部では現像剤ケースやシール体
との間での隙間がなくなり、現像剤のシールを行える。Further, according to the present invention, on the back surface of the layer thickness regulating body opposite to the surface in contact with the developer carrier,
Since the longitudinal end is adhered to the developer case with an adhesive or an adhesive tape having an adhesive on both sides, a gap between the developer case and the seal body is formed at both ends of the layer thickness regulating body. And the developer can be sealed.
【００７９】したがって、現像剤担持体に接触するシー
ル体とともに用いることによって、現像剤担持体の両端
部への現像剤の漏れをなくすことができ、現像剤担持体
の両端部には現像剤が過剰に供給されず、現像に供され
ない現像剤の飛散がなくなり、機内汚染、現像剤の消費
量の増加等の不都合を防止できる。Therefore, when used together with the seal member that comes into contact with the developer carrier, the developer can be prevented from leaking to both ends of the developer carrier, and the developer is applied to both ends of the developer carrier. The developer that is not supplied excessively and that is not used for development is not scattered, thereby preventing inconveniences such as contamination in the apparatus and an increase in the consumption of the developer.
【００８０】また、層厚規制体により現像剤に対するシ
ールを行うために、現像剤担持体に層厚規制体を押し付
けなければならないが、このとき取り付け精度等のばら
つきによって層厚規制体が現像剤担持体に食い込むこと
があっても、現像剤担持体を規定の硬度より低いものを
用いたり、あるいは現像剤担持体の長手方向の両端にお
ける硬度を中央における硬度より低くすることにより、
層厚規制体と現像剤担持体との間の摩擦が大きくなるこ
とを防止できる。Further, in order to seal the developer with the layer thickness regulating body, the layer thickness regulating body must be pressed against the developer carrying member. Even if it may bite into the carrier, by using a developer carrier having a lower hardness than the specified hardness, or by making the hardness at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier lower than the hardness at the center,
It is possible to prevent the friction between the layer thickness regulating body and the developer carrying member from increasing.
【００８１】したがって、摩擦の増大による回転トルク
の増大が生じないので、現像剤担持体の駆動源には負荷
がかからず、駆動源としてのモータの駆動トルクを軽減
することができ、画像形成装置全体のトルク軽減を図
れ、低コストなモータを使用することが可能となる。Accordingly, since the rotational torque does not increase due to the increase in friction, no load is applied to the drive source of the developer carrying member, and the drive torque of the motor as the drive source can be reduced, so that image formation can be performed. The torque of the entire apparatus can be reduced, and a low-cost motor can be used.
【図１】第１実施形態の現像装置の要部を示す斜視図FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of a developing device according to a first embodiment.
【図２】現像装置の縦断面図FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device.
【図３】その要部を示す側面図FIG. 3 is a side view showing a main part thereof.
【図４】同じく平面図FIG. 4 is a plan view of the same.
【図５】他の現像装置の要部を示す側面図FIG. 5 is a side view showing a main part of another developing device.
【図６】第２実施形態の現像装置の要部を示す側面図FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a main part of a developing device according to a second embodiment.
【図７】第３実施形態の現像装置の縦断面図FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device according to a third embodiment.
【図８】第４実施形態の現像装置の縦断面図FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device according to a fourth embodiment.
【図９】他の現像装置の縦断面図FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of another developing device.
【図１０】シール体の斜視図FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seal body.
【図１１】他の現像装置の縦断面図FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of another developing device.
【図１２】第５実施形態の現像装置の要部を示す側面図FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a main part of a developing device according to a fifth embodiment.
【図１３】第６実施形態の現像装置の縦断面図FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device according to a sixth embodiment.
【図１４】第７実施形態の現像装置の縦断面図FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device according to a seventh embodiment.
【図１５】現像装置の要部を示す斜視図FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a main part of the developing device.
【図１６】同じく平面図FIG. 16 is a plan view of the same.
【図１７】他の層厚規制体を用いた現像装置の平面図FIG. 17 is a plan view of a developing device using another layer thickness regulating body.
【図１８】（ａ）は層厚規制体の形状を示す図、（ｂ）
は使用時の層厚規制体の形状を示す図18A is a diagram showing a shape of a layer thickness regulating body, and FIG.
Shows the shape of the layer thickness regulator during use
【図１９】従来の現像装置の要部を示す斜視図FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a main part of a conventional developing device.
【図２０】従来の隙間がある場合の層厚規制体およびシ
ール体の断面図FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional layer thickness regulating body and a sealing body when there is a gap.
【図２１】従来の隙間がない場合の層厚規制体およびシ
ール体の断面図FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional layer thickness regulating body and a sealing body when there is no gap.
１ 層厚規制体 ２ シール体 ３ 現像剤担持体 ４ 現像剤ケース ５ 像担体 ６ 突設片 １０ 内側シール部材 １１ 外側シール部材 １２ 上流シール部材 １３ 下流シール部材 １４ 高圧シール部材 １５ 低圧シール部材 ２０ 傾斜面 Ｄ 現像剤 Ｉ 画像領域 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 layer thickness regulating body 2 seal body 3 developer carrier 4 developer case 5 image carrier 6 projecting piece 10 inner seal member 11 outer seal member 12 upstream seal member 13 downstream seal member 14 high pressure seal member 15 low pressure seal member 20 inclined Surface D Developer I Image area
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 油井 勇飛 大阪府大阪市阿倍野区長池町22番22号 シ ャープ株式会社内 (72)発明者 若田 茂之 大阪府大阪市阿倍野区長池町22番22号 シ ャープ株式会社内 (72)発明者 荒木 広重 大阪府大阪市阿倍野区長池町22番22号 シ ャープ株式会社内 (72)発明者 今井 康雄 大阪府大阪市阿倍野区長池町22番22号 シ ャープ株式会社内 (72)発明者 石井 洋 大阪府大阪市阿倍野区長池町22番22号 シ ャープ株式会社内 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yuhi Yui 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Shigeyuki Wakata 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (72) Inventor Hiroshige Araki 22-22, Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Yasuo Imai 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (72) Inventor Hiroshi Ishii Sharp Co., Ltd. 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Claims (16)
送する現像剤担持体と、該現像剤担持体の表面に摺接し
て所定の層厚の現像剤層を前記現像剤担持体上に形成す
る層厚規制体と、該層厚規制体に接触するとともに前記
現像剤担持体に接触して長手方向への現像剤担持体上の
現像剤の移動を規制するシール体とを備え、前記層厚規
制体の長手方向の幅が前記現像剤担持体の長手方向の幅
より大とされ、前記シール体の側縁が前記現像剤担持体
の側縁よりも内側寄りに位置したことを特徴とする現像
装置。1. A developer carrier for transporting a developer to a developing position opposed to an image carrier, and a developer layer having a predetermined thickness in sliding contact with a surface of the developer carrier is provided on the developer carrier. A layer thickness regulating body, and a seal body that contacts the layer thickness regulating body and regulates movement of the developer on the developer carrier in the longitudinal direction by contacting the developer carrier, The width in the longitudinal direction of the layer thickness regulating body is larger than the width in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, and the side edge of the seal body is located closer to the inner side than the side edge of the developer carrier. Characteristic developing device.
の側縁に一致させたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現
像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an inner edge of the seal body coincides with a side edge of an image area on the image carrier.
送する現像剤担持体と、先端を該現像剤担持体の表面に
摺接して所定の層厚の現像剤層を前記現像剤担持体上に
形成する層厚規制体と、該層厚規制体の先端に接触する
とともに前記現像剤担持体に接触して前記現像剤担持体
の両側縁方向への現像剤の移動を規制する一対のシール
体とを備え、前記層厚規制体の両側縁が、前記現像剤担
持体の側縁の外側あるいは該側縁と同じ位置に配置さ
れ、前記シール体が前記像担体の画像領域の幅と同じか
あるいは少し広い間隔をおいて配置され、かつシール体
の内側縁が前記現像剤担持体の側縁よりも内側寄りに配
置されたことを特徴とする現像装置。3. A developer carrier for transporting a developer to a developing position facing an image carrier, and a developer layer having a predetermined thickness by sliding a leading end of the developer carrier on a surface of the developer carrier. A layer-thickness regulating body formed on the body, and a pair of members that contact the tip of the layer-thickness regulating body and contact the developer carrier to regulate the movement of the developer toward both side edges of the developer carrier. Wherein both side edges of the layer thickness regulating body are arranged outside or at the same position as the side edges of the developer carrying member, and the width of the image area of the image carrier of the image carrier is reduced. A developing device, wherein the inner edge of the seal member is disposed closer to the inner side than the side edge of the developer carrying member.
材からなることを特徴とする請求項１、２または３記載
の現像装置。4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is composed of a plurality of seal members having different elasticities.
側に配され、弾性の小さいシール部材がその外側に配さ
れたことを特徴とする請求項４記載の現像装置。5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the seal member having a high elasticity is disposed inside in the longitudinal direction, and the seal member having a low elasticity is disposed outside the seal member.
方向上流側に配されて現像剤担持体に接触し、弾性の小
さいシール部材が下流側に配されて層厚規制体に接触し
たことを特徴とする請求項４記載の現像装置。6. A seal member having a high elasticity is arranged on the upstream side in the developer conveyance direction and comes into contact with the developer carrier, and a seal member having a low elasticity is arranged on the downstream side and contacts the layer thickness regulating body. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein:
圧を層厚規制体に対する押付圧より大にしたことを特徴
とする請求項１、２または３記載の現像装置。7. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure applied to the developer carrier is greater than the pressure applied to the layer thickness regulating member.
ール部材からなることを特徴とする請求項７記載の現像
装置。8. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein the seal member is composed of a plurality of elastic seal members having different pressing pressures.
押付圧を異ならせるために前記シール体の成形状態を変
化させたことを特徴とする請求項７記載の現像装置。9. The seal body is made of a material having elasticity,
8. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein a molding state of the seal is changed to make the pressing pressure different.
案内するようシール体の内側縁が傾斜されたことを特徴
とする請求項１ないし９のいずれかに記載の現像装置。10. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an inner edge of the seal is inclined so as to guide the developer on the developer carrier toward the inside.
に現像剤を搬送する現像剤担持体と、該現像剤担持体の
表面に摺接して所定の層厚の現像剤層を前記現像剤担持
体上に形成する層厚規制体と、該層厚規制体に接触する
とともに前記現像剤担持体に接触して長手方向への現像
剤担持体上の現像剤の移動を規制するシール体とが内装
され、前記層厚規制体の長手方向の幅が前記現像剤担持
体の長手方向の幅より大とされ、前記シール体は、その
側縁が前記現像剤担持体の側縁よりも内側寄りに位置す
るとともに、前記現像槽からの現像剤の漏れを防止する
ように前記現像剤担持体と現像槽との間に配置されたこ
とを特徴とする現像装置。11. A developer tank for transporting a developer to a developing position facing an image carrier in a developing tank, and a developing layer having a predetermined thickness is slid in contact with a surface of the developer carrier to form a developing layer. A layer thickness regulating body formed on the developer carrying member, and a seal member that contacts the layer thickness regulating body and regulates the movement of the developer on the developer carrying member in the longitudinal direction by contacting the developer carrying member. And the width in the longitudinal direction of the layer thickness regulating body is made larger than the width in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, and the side edge of the seal body is larger than the side edge of the developer carrier. A developing device, which is located closer to the inside and disposed between the developer carrier and the developing tank so as to prevent leakage of the developer from the developing tank.
に現像剤を搬送する現像剤担持体と、該現像剤担持体の
表面に摺接して所定の層厚の現像剤層を前記現像剤担持
体上に形成する層厚規制体と、前記現像剤担持体に接触
して長手方向への現像剤担持体上の現像剤の移動を規制
するシール体とが内装され、前記層厚規制体の前記現像
剤担持体に接触する表面とは反対側の裏面において、そ
の長手方向の端部が前記現像槽に接着されたことを特徴
とする現像装置。12. A developer tank for transporting a developer to a developing position opposite to an image carrier in a developing tank, and a developing layer having a predetermined thickness is slid in contact with a surface of the developer carrier to form the developer layer. A layer-thickness regulating body formed on the developer-carrying member, and a seal body that contacts the developer-carrying member and regulates the movement of the developer on the developer-carrying member in the longitudinal direction. A developing device characterized in that a longitudinal end of the body is bonded to the developing tank on a back surface opposite to a surface contacting the developer carrier.
いて、層厚規制体が現像槽に接着されたことを特徴とす
る請求項１２記載の現像装置。13. The developing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the layer thickness regulating body is adhered to the developing tank using an adhesive tape having an adhesive on both sides.
る硬度が中央における硬度より低くされ、層厚規制体は
前記現像剤担持体に押し付けられたことを特徴とする請
求項１２記載の現像装置。14. The developing device according to claim 12, wherein the hardness at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrying member is lower than the hardness at the center, and the layer thickness regulating member is pressed against the developer carrying member. .
ＩＳ Ｋ６３０１）とされ、層厚規制体は前記現像剤担
持体に押し付けられたことを特徴とする請求項１２記載
の現像装置。15. The developer carrier having a hardness of 40 degrees or less (J
13. The developing device according to claim 12, wherein the layer thickness regulator is pressed against the developer carrier.
剤担持体に向かうような湾曲した形状とされ、両端が前
記現像剤担持体から離間して配置されたことを特徴とす
る請求項１２ないし１５のいずれかに記載の現像装置。16. The layer thickness regulating body has a curved shape such that the center in the longitudinal direction is directed to the developer carrying member, and both ends are arranged apart from the developer carrying member. Item 16. The developing device according to any one of Items 12 to 15.
Priority Applications (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7519298A JP3327834B2 (en) | 1997-06-16 | 1998-03-24 | Developing device |
| US09/084,414 US6094550A (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-05-27 | Developing apparatus |
| CN98103127A CN1118721C (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-05-27 | Developing apparatus |
| DE69816523T DE69816523T2 (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-05-27 | processor |
| EP98304178A EP0881549B1 (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-05-27 | Developing apparatus |
| DE69834438T DE69834438T2 (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-05-27 | Developer with a seal on the back of a toner layer thickness regulator |
| EP02078233A EP1282014B1 (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-05-27 | Developing apparatus with a seal on the back side of a toner layer thickness control member |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP15838497 | 1997-06-16 | ||
| JP9-158384 | 1997-06-16 | ||
| JP7519298A JP3327834B2 (en) | 1997-06-16 | 1998-03-24 | Developing device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH1173017A true JPH1173017A (en) | 1999-03-16 |
| JP3327834B2 JP3327834B2 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
Family
ID=26416348
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7519298A Expired - Fee Related JP3327834B2 (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-03-24 | Developing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3327834B2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004045734A (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2004-02-12 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Development device and image forming apparatus |
| US7068961B2 (en) | 2003-08-20 | 2006-06-27 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Developing device, image forming apparatus, image forming system, sealing member, and method for manufacturing sealing member |
| JP2006330302A (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2006-12-07 | Canon Inc | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| US7336913B2 (en) | 2004-07-29 | 2008-02-26 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing apparatus, process cartridge and image forming apparatus for preventing leakage |
| CN100454163C (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2009-01-21 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | Developing apparatus, process cartridge and image forming apparatus |
| US8521055B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2013-08-27 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device provided with thickness-regulation member resistant to abrasion |
| US8948648B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2015-02-03 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device provided with sealing members assembled to thickness-regulation member |
| JP2015225138A (en) * | 2014-05-26 | 2015-12-14 | キヤノン株式会社 | Development device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
-
1998
- 1998-03-24 JP JP7519298A patent/JP3327834B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004045734A (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2004-02-12 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Development device and image forming apparatus |
| US7068961B2 (en) | 2003-08-20 | 2006-06-27 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Developing device, image forming apparatus, image forming system, sealing member, and method for manufacturing sealing member |
| US7336913B2 (en) | 2004-07-29 | 2008-02-26 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing apparatus, process cartridge and image forming apparatus for preventing leakage |
| CN100454163C (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2009-01-21 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | Developing apparatus, process cartridge and image forming apparatus |
| JP2006330302A (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2006-12-07 | Canon Inc | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP4617199B2 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2011-01-19 | キヤノン株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| US8521055B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2013-08-27 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device provided with thickness-regulation member resistant to abrasion |
| US8948648B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2015-02-03 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device provided with sealing members assembled to thickness-regulation member |
| JP2015225138A (en) * | 2014-05-26 | 2015-12-14 | キヤノン株式会社 | Development device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3327834B2 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
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