JPS58113947A - Toner replenishing method for multicolor copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To decrease errors in detection of concentration and to permit replenishing of toners by having allowances by detecting the concentration of the toners in developing devices for the other two colors during developing with a devloping device for the 1st color and replenishing the toners. CONSTITUTION:Three developing devices 11-13 wherein developers 10 consisting of insulating toners and carriers of three colors; yellow, magenta, and cyan are contained are provided along a photosensitive drum 1, and toner concentration sensors 5 are provided in the lower part of funnels. During the time of the 1st development, the toner concentration of the developers for the other two colors are kept detected. In accordance with the detection signals, the replenishment of the toner for the 1st color is accomplished in succession to the concentration detection and the replenishing of the toners for the other two colors is accomplished during development in the respective developing devices. Therefore, for the other two colors, the developers in the funnels in the upper part of the sensors remain stable without fluidizing whereby errors of detection are decreased. The toners are replenished by using the whole of the developing time and thus having allowances.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 本発明は、原稿の色分解九像を感光体上に順次露光して
形成された潜像を、夫々磁性キャリヤと、斤い（て異る
色の絶縁性トナーから成、る複数色の現像剤により現像
し、同一〇転写紙に重ね合せて転ｒ７　してカラーコピ
ーを作成する多色複写機のトナー補給方法に関する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides latent images formed by sequentially exposing nine color-separated images of an original onto a photoreceptor, each of which is coated with a magnetic carrier and coated with insulating toner of a different color. The present invention relates to a toner replenishment method for a multicolor copying machine in which a color copy is created by developing with a plurality of color developers and transferring them onto the same transfer paper.

多色重ね合せ方式の多色複′写機で一般に多く使用され
ている三色重ね合せ方式カラー複写機では。Multi-color superimposed color copiers are commonly used in three-color superimposed color copiers.

露九々学系の電路に青、緑、赤の６色の色分解フィルタ
ーを切換可能に設け、これらを透過して来た色分解九像
で順次感光体ドラムを露光して６種グ）潜像を形成し、
感光体ドラムに沿って順次設けられたイエロー、マゼン
タ、シア／の３色のトナーを丸々磁性キャリヤーと混合
して成る現像剤を保持する３つの現像器により、青フィ
ルターによる潜像に灼してはイ・エロー現像器を、緑フ
ィルターえよお潜像につ、□よ−ゼシ・、２現像器を、
赤、イルターによる潜像に対してはシアン現像器を夫々
選択的に作動させて現像を行ない、得られた各色り〕ト
ナー像を同一の転写紙−ヒに重ね合せて転写しカラーコ
ピーを作成する。Six color separation filters, blue, green, and red, are switchably installed in the electric circuit of the dew-curve system, and the photoreceptor drum is sequentially exposed to the nine color-separated images that pass through these filters to produce six types of color separation filters. forming a latent image,
The latent image formed by the blue filter is burnt by three developing devices that hold a developer consisting of yellow, magenta, and sheer toner mixed with a magnetic carrier, which are arranged sequentially along the photoreceptor drum. The yellow developer, the green filter, the latent image, and the 2 developer.
The cyan developer is selectively activated to develop the red and Ilter latent images, and the resulting toner images of each color are superimposed and transferred onto the same transfer paper to create a color copy. do.

その場合、原稿と同じカラーバランスＯコピーを得るた
めに、各現像器内の現像剤は夫々一定の基準トナー濃度
（キャリヤとトナーの比率）Ｋ設定されている。しかし
、コピーを重ねるに従ってトナーが消費され、トナー濃
度が低下して行くので、トナー濃度を上記の基準濃度に
維持するために各現像器毎にトナー濃度を検知してトナ
ーｌ＃度不足と判断された場合はトナーを補給すること
が必要である。In this case, in order to obtain a copy with the same color balance as the original, the developer in each developing device is set to a constant reference toner concentration (ratio of carrier to toner) K. However, as more copies are made, the toner is consumed and the toner density decreases, so in order to maintain the toner density at the above-mentioned standard density, the toner density is detected for each developing device and it is determined that the toner l# is insufficient. If this occurs, it is necessary to replenish toner.

この方式のカラー複写機の現像装置の一般的な例を第１
図により説明すると、感光体ドラム１に沿って夫々イエ
ロー、マゼンタ、シアンの６色の絶縁性トナーとキャリ
ヤから成る現像剤１０を収容する５つの現像タンク１１
．１“２，１５が順次設げられている。各現像タンクは
感光体ドラム１に面して開口しており、その部分に現像
スリーブ２が感光体ドラλ１の周面と所定のギャップを
置いて設けられているっその下方には２本の汲上げスリ
ーブ６が上下に設けられている。下側の汲−１−げスリ
ーブの横には攪拌スクリュー４が設けられている。現像
スリーブ２の現像剤搬送方向について感光体ドラム１に
接する゛現像位置より下流側にはセパレータ６が設けら
れ、現像後の現像剤を現像スリーブ２から分離してタン
ク底部に案内している１、セパレータ６には現像剤を案
内する漏斗を介してトナー濃度センサ５が設けられてい
る。トナー濃度センサとしては図に示す如くコイルを巻
いたボビンの中を現像剤を流下させ、剤中の鉄粉（トナ
ー）の比容積の変化にもとず（コイルのインダクタンス
の変化を発振周波数の変化に変換しで検知する方式のも
のが、環境変化に対する適応性や、カラー複写機用のキ
ャリヤの特性から最も適している。セパレータ乙の下に
はタンクの全幅にわたってトナー補給パイプ７が設けら
れており、そり〕内部には図示せぬ駆動モータにより回
転し、図示せぬトナー補給用ホッパーよりパイプＺ内に
トナーを搬送するスクリューコンベア８が設げら１＋て
いる。トナー補給パイプ７の管壁には上部と１・部（（
適当なピッチで孔７ａ、７ｂが設けられている。A general example of a developing device for a color copying machine using this method is shown in the first section.
To explain with a diagram, five developing tanks 11 are arranged along the photoreceptor drum 1, each containing a developer 10 consisting of insulating toner and carrier of six colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan.
．． 1", 2, and 15 are provided in sequence. Each developing tank has an opening facing the photoreceptor drum 1, and the developing sleeve 2 is placed in that portion with a predetermined gap between the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 1 and the developing sleeve 2. Developing sleeve 2 is provided with two pumping sleeves 6 above and below.A stirring screw 4 is provided next to the lower pumping sleeve 2. A separator 6 is provided on the downstream side of the developing position in contact with the photoreceptor drum 1 in the developer transport direction, and separates the developer after development from the developing sleeve 2 and guides it to the bottom of the tank. A toner concentration sensor 5 is provided through a funnel that guides the developer.As shown in the figure, the toner concentration sensor 5 allows the developer to flow down through a coiled bobbin, and detects the iron powder ( A method that detects changes in the specific volume of the toner (toner) by converting changes in coil inductance into changes in oscillation frequency is the most suitable method due to its adaptability to environmental changes and the characteristics of the carrier for color copying machines. A toner replenishment pipe 7 is provided under the separator B over the entire width of the tank, and a toner replenishment pipe 7 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown) inside the sled, and a toner replenishment pipe 7 (not shown) is supplied into the pipe Z from a toner replenishment hopper (not shown). A screw conveyor 8 for conveying the toner is provided.The pipe wall of the toner supply pipe 7 has an upper part and a part (((
Holes 7a and 7b are provided at appropriate pitches.

この装置による現像は、次のように行なわれる。Development using this device is performed as follows.

第１色目（図の場合はイエロー）０潜像が第１現像タン
ク１１の現像領域に来る少し＠（例えば約０２秒前）に
攪拌スクリュー４、汲上スリーブ６゜現像スリーブ２が
動作を開始し、現像スリーブ２上に現像剤１０がもたら
され、現像が行なわれろ１、そして潜像つ画像領域を現
像し終ると同時に攪拌スクリュー４、汲上スリーブ６は
停止し、剤１０の供給を停止する。この時現像スリーブ
２はなお回転し続け、第１図のＡ部に残っている現像剤
１０を汲上げ尽し、短時間、後（約０２秒後）には現像
スリーブ２上には現像剤はなくなり、現像スリーブ２が
停止する。この動作は第２色（マゼンタ）の潜像が第１
色目の現像領域に来る時には完了している。Shortly after the first color (yellow in the figure) 0 latent image reaches the developing area of the first developing tank 11 (for example, approximately 02 seconds), the stirring screw 4, the pumping sleeve 6°, and the developing sleeve 2 start operating. , the developer 10 is brought onto the developing sleeve 2, and development is performed 1, and at the same time as the development of the latent image area is completed, the stirring screw 4 and the pumping sleeve 6 are stopped, and the supply of the developer 10 is stopped. . At this time, the developing sleeve 2 continues to rotate, and the developer 10 remaining in the area A in FIG. is no longer present, and the developing sleeve 2 stops. This operation means that the second color (magenta) latent image is
When it comes to the color development area, it is complete.

この工程を各現像器毎に各１回ずつ都合６回繰返すこと
によって３色Ｏトナー像が順次感光体１上に形成され、
これらを順次同一の転写紙上（で重ね合せて転写し定着
することによりカラーコピーが得られる。By repeating this process once for each developing device six times in total, three-color O toner images are sequentially formed on the photoreceptor 1.
A color copy can be obtained by sequentially transferring and fixing these onto the same transfer paper.

さて、ある現像器による現像が完了し、現像剤１０の供
給を停止した時、トナー濃度センサ５のボビン及びその
上ｇ″）漏斗内には現像剤が溜っている。Now, when development by a certain developing device is completed and the supply of the developer 10 is stopped, the developer remains in the bobbin of the toner concentration sensor 5 and the funnel above it.

しかし、現像開始とともに攪拌スクリュー４、汲トスリ
ーブ３、現像スリーブ２が動作をはじめろと濃度センサ
５の漏斗及びボビン内に溜っていた削１０は下方に流れ
落ち、剤１゛００供給が止る迄現像器みＤ現像剤が漏斗
及びボビン内を流下する、この場合、現像器の作動開始
から一定時間（例えば約２秒）及び停止から一定の時間
はボビン内の現像剤の流動状態は非定常になるので、こ
り）間は検知不安定期間となる。However, when the stirring screw 4, the pumping sleeve 3, and the developing sleeve 2 start operating at the start of development, the shavings 10 accumulated in the funnel and bobbin of the concentration sensor 5 flow down, and the development continues until the supply of the agent 100 stops. The developer in the container D flows down through the funnel and the bobbin. In this case, the flow state of the developer in the bobbin is unsteady for a certain period of time (for example, about 2 seconds) after the development device starts operating and for a certain period of time after it stops. Therefore, the period between 1 and 2 is an unstable detection period.

現像器中の現像剤トナー濃度の低下が一Σンサ５により
検知されると、その検知信号にもとすき、図示せぬ制御
部によ、り駆動モータを回転させてスクリューコンベア
８によりトナー補給ホッパー内クリトナーをトナー補給
パイプ７内（（搬送し、そのｌ・部に設けた孔７ａから
入った現像剤と混合攪拌タンク内に補給する。When the one-sigma sensor 5 detects a decrease in developer toner concentration in the developing device, the detection signal is used, and a control section (not shown) rotates the drive motor to supply toner to the screw conveyor 8. The toner in the hopper is transported into the toner replenishment pipe 7 ((), and mixed with the developer that entered through the hole 7a provided in the L section of the toner replenishment pipe 7 and replenished into the stirring tank.

前記め検知不安定期間中にセンサ出力（でより上述のト
ナー濃度調整動作を行うと検知誤差により現像剤のトナ
ー濃度は所定の設定値を維持することが出来なくなる。If the above-described toner concentration adjustment operation is performed using the sensor output during the unstable detection period, the toner concentration of the developer cannot be maintained at a predetermined set value due to a detection error.

従来迄の多色複写機では、各現像器（（対するｌ・ナー
補給は、当該現像器での現像時に、現像剤をセンサのコ
イル内を流下させてトナー濃度を検知し、かつトナー補
給を行なう０が通常であった１、そのためトナー濃度検
知及びトナー補給Ｏための時間を十分に取ることがむつ
かしく、コイル内を流下する削の流れが十分安定しない
中に検知して検知誤差を生じたり、高濃度オリジナルを
コピーしてトナーを多く消費した場合にトナー補給が間
に合わないと会つ欠点があった。In conventional multicolor copying machines, toner replenishment is carried out in each developing device ((for L/toner replenishment) by causing the developer to flow down inside the coil of a sensor to detect the toner concentration during development in the developing device, and toner replenishment. Normally, 0 was performed1, so it was difficult to take enough time for toner concentration detection and toner replenishment, and detection errors occurred when the flow of cuttings flowing down the coil was not stable enough. However, when copying a high-density original and consuming a large amount of toner, there was a drawback that the toner could not be replenished in time.

本発明は、多色重ね合せ方式の多色複写機において現像
剤のトナー濃ｍｌセンサーとしてコイルを用いたセンサ
を使用してトナー補給を行う場合１７）従来生じでいた
上述の欠点を解消した、トナー濃度検知誤差が少なく、
かつトナー補給を余裕を以て行なうことＯ出来る乍ナー
補給方法を提供することを目的とする。The present invention solves the above-mentioned drawbacks that have conventionally occurred when replenishing toner using a sensor using a coil as a developer toner concentration ml sensor in a multicolor copying machine using a multicolor superimposition method. Less toner density detection error,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner replenishment method that allows toner replenishment with sufficient time.

以１：、本発明を、その実施例を示す図面にもとすいて
詳細に説明する。1: The present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

第２図は１本発明め第１実施例Ｏトナー補給方法を示す
タイムチャートであって、第１色目の現像時間中に、１
色目の現像器のトナー濃度以外に、残余の（三色の場合
は２色目及び６色目）現像器内り現像剤のトナー濃度を
も検知し、その検知信号により、１色目の現像器へのト
ナー補給はトナー濃度検出に引続いて第１色目゛の現像
中に、第２色］１及び第６色目の現像器へりトナー補給
は夫々当該現像器での現像中に行なわれるっ 第１色目の現像時には、他の２色Ｏ現像器は作動してい
ないので前述の如く、濃度セ／す５のボビン及びその上
部の漏斗内には現像剤が流動せずに安定して溜っている
。したかつ、てこの状袢でグ）トナー濃度を検知すれば
検知語差は極めて少なくｌ［ろ、この精度高く検知され
た検知信号にもとずき、当該色の現像器での現像中にそ
の現像器へトナー補給を行なうので、現像時間すべてを
トナー補給時間に充てることが出来、高濃度オリジナル
のコピーを行ないトナー消費量が多い場合にもトナー補
給が間に合わないような事態が起りにくい。FIG. 2 is a time chart showing a toner replenishment method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In addition to the toner concentration in the developing device for each color, the toner concentration in the remaining (second and sixth color in the case of three colors) developer is also detected, and based on the detection signal, the toner concentration in the developing device for the first color is detected. Following toner concentration detection, toner replenishment is performed during development of the first color, and toner replenishment is performed to the developing units of the first and sixth colors (second color) during development in the respective developing units. During development, the other two-color O developing devices are not in operation, so as described above, the developer remains stably in the bobbin of the concentration center 5 and the funnel above it without flowing. Furthermore, if the toner density is detected using a lever, the difference in detection is extremely small. Since toner is replenished to the developing device, the entire development time can be used for toner replenishment time, and even when copying a high-density original and consuming a large amount of toner, it is unlikely that toner replenishment will be delayed.

しかし、第１色目については、その現像中にトナー濃度
検知とトナー補給とＯ二つの動作を引続いて行なうこと
になる。したがってセンサーのボビン内の剤の流れが安
定するのを待ってトナー濃度を検知し、しかる後にトナ
ー補給を行うので七分な補給時間が得られない場合がし
ばしば発ｔｐする。However, for the first color, two operations, namely toner concentration detection and toner replenishment, are successively performed during development. Therefore, the toner concentration is detected after waiting for the flow of the agent in the bobbin of the sensor to become stable, and then the toner is replenished, so it often happens that seven minutes of replenishment time cannot be obtained.

第３図に示す第２実施例０タイムチャートでは。In the 0 time chart of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

第１色目の現像中に１色目のみならず２，３色目の現像
器内の現像剤つトナー濃度を検出し１２゜６色目の各現
像器へのトナー補給をその仔細信号にもとず・いて当該
現像器での現像中に行なうことは前記第１実施例と同じ
であるが、１色目の埃ｆ！器へのトナー補給は、トナー
補給禁止時間後（例えば濃度検知センサーＤボビン内の
剤の流れが安定しだ後）トナー濃度を検知して開始し、
２色目、必９によっては６色目の現像中迄続行するよう
になっている。これにより、１色目のトナー補給時間り
）不足は解消される。なお、現像開始からトナー補給開
始迄の「トナー補給禁止時間」はセンサー内り削Ｏ流れ
が安定する迄の時間に限定されず、他グ）理由でトナー
補給をある時間内禁止することもありうる。During the development of the first color, the developer and toner concentrations in the developing devices for not only the first color but also the second and third colors are detected, and toner replenishment to each developing device for the 12° and sixth color is based on the detailed signals. What is done during development in the developing device is the same as in the first embodiment, except that the first color dust f! Toner replenishment to the container is started by detecting the toner concentration after the toner replenishment prohibition time (for example, after the flow of agent in the concentration detection sensor D bobbin becomes stable),
The process continues until the development of the second color or, depending on the situation, the sixth color. As a result, the shortage of toner replenishment time for the first color is resolved. Note that the "toner replenishment prohibition time" from the start of development to the start of toner replenishment is not limited to the time until the O flow inside the sensor stabilizes, and toner replenishment may be prohibited within a certain period for other reasons. sell.

第２色目、第３色目のトナー補給は、当該現像器での現
像時間内すべてを利用できるが、オリジナルの濃度が高
く、それでもなおトナー補給時間が不足する場合には、
第４図に示す第６実施例の如く、第１色目のみならず、
第２色目、第６色目′ノ）トナー補給も次の現像器に゛
よる現像時間又は６色［１の場合はその現像完了後迄続
けて行なうようにすればよい。To replenish the second and third color toners, the entire development time of the relevant developer can be used, but if the density of the original is high and the toner replenishment time is still insufficient,
As in the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 4, not only the first color but also
The toner replenishment for the second color and the sixth color may be continued until the development time of the next developing device or after the completion of the development of the six colors [1].

又、第５図にタイムチャー計を示す第４実施例では、各
現像器での現像時期にか〜わらず、常にすべての現１象
器のトナー濃度を検知し、各現像器・、グ）トナー補給
を当該現像器での現像時間内における検知信号により、
当該現像器での現像時間及びこれに引続く他の現像器で
の現像時間又は現像完了後にわたって行なうようになっ
ている。この場合は各現像器のトナー補給開始は、その
現像器の現像開始から剤の流れが安定する迄の時間（例
えば約２秒）待・つて行なう必要があるが、トナー補給
はその現像器での現像完了後進続行されるり）で補給時
間が不足することによるトナー補給不足は解消される。In addition, in the fourth embodiment, which shows a time chart meter in FIG. ) Toner replenishment is performed using a detection signal during the development time of the relevant developer.
This is carried out over the development time in the relevant developer, the subsequent development time in another developer, or after the development is completed. In this case, it is necessary to wait for a period of time (for example, about 2 seconds) from the start of development in that developing device until the flow of the agent stabilizes before starting toner replenishment for each developing device. The shortage of toner replenishment caused by the lack of replenishment time is resolved by continuing to move backwards after the completion of development.

この実施例の如く各現像器のトナー濃度を常に検知する
ことにより、現像器の作動開始毎にセンサーのスイッチ
を入れる必要がなくなり、制御回路が簡単になる。By constantly detecting the toner concentration of each developing device as in this embodiment, there is no need to turn on the sensor every time the developing device starts operating, and the control circuit becomes simpler.

以上の如く、本発明により精度高くトナーを補給するこ
とが可能になるが、補給されたトナーは現像器内の現像
剤と十分攪拌してトナー濃度が均一になるようにしなけ
ればコピー画像に濃度ムラ又は色ムラが発生する。As described above, the present invention makes it possible to replenish toner with high precision, but unless the replenished toner is sufficiently stirred with the developer in the developing device to make the toner concentration uniform, the copy image will not have a high density. Unevenness or color unevenness occurs.

トナー消費量の低減あるいは感光体ドラムのクリー丈の
負担軽減の観点から、感光体上ヘク）画１象形成領域を
転写紙のサイズに相当する部分だけにすることが一般に
行なわれている。このような場合、画像形成領域に対応
した現像領域のみトナーが消費されるので、小幅転写紙
によるコピー０際シてはトナー消費量の場所的偏りが生
ずることは避けられない。From the viewpoint of reducing the amount of toner consumed or reducing the burden on the crease length of the photoreceptor drum, it is generally practiced to limit the image forming area on the photoreceptor to a portion corresponding to the size of the transfer paper. In such a case, since toner is consumed only in the development area corresponding to the image forming area, it is inevitable that the amount of toner consumed will vary depending on location when copying using narrow transfer paper.

第１図に示した現像装置では、トナー補給パイプ７に適
当なピッチで設けられた孔７ｂから現像２に力現像領域
の全幅にわたって均一にトナーが補給されるので、小幅
の転写紙を用いてトナー消費量に偏りを生じた場合は、
現像剤のトナー濃度に偏りが牛じ、豹に転写紙のサイズ
を切換えた際コピー画像り）濃度ムラ、色ムラを誘発し
、コピー品′角り）低下を惹起する。In the developing device shown in FIG. 1, toner is uniformly supplied to the developer 2 from holes 7b provided at appropriate pitches in the toner supply pipe 7 over the entire width of the power development area. If there is any imbalance in toner consumption,
Unbalanced toner concentration in the developer causes uneven density and color in the copied image when the size of the transfer paper is changed from cowhide to leopard, and causes a decrease in the quality of the copied product.

これを防止するには速やかに現像器内Ｏ現像剤を攪拌混
合しトナー濃度の偏りをなくせばよいが、限られた空間
内で十分な攪拌を行なうことは極めて国難である。To prevent this, it is possible to quickly stir and mix the O developer in the developing device to eliminate unevenness in toner concentration, but it is extremely difficult to carry out sufficient stirring in a limited space.

第１図に示した現像装置では、このために下側Ｔ）汲ト
スリーブろの側方に１本の攪拌スクリュー４を、投け、
セパレータ６＆びセンサー５がら戻って来た現像剤と、
補給パイプ７より補給されたトナーとを攪拌して汲北ス
リーブ乙に供給するようにしている。この攪拌スクリュ
ーにより現像器の幅方向つ攪拌はがなり行なわれるが、
現像剤’）／＋Ｔすれ方向については十分な攪拌が行な
われず、トナーの補給が現像中均−に行なわれていかい
、場合は前後方向にトナー濃度ムラが発生する。For this purpose, in the developing device shown in FIG.
The developer returned from the separator 6 & sensor 5,
The toner supplied from the supply pipe 7 is stirred and supplied to the pumping sleeve B. This stirring screw causes stirring in the width direction of the developing device, but
In the developer')/+T sliding direction, sufficient agitation is not performed, and toner is not evenly replenished during development, resulting in uneven toner density in the front-rear direction.

これを改良するものとして、第６図に示す如く、第１図
における攪拌スクリュー４０代りに、上側が互いに近寄
るように互いに逆方向に回転する１対のスクリュー１４
．１５を互いに近接して平行に設けた攪拌装置が提案さ
れている。上記２本り）スクリュー１４．１５が互いに
逆方向に回転することにより、夫々の上方にある現像剤
及び補給されたトナーは互いに両スクリューの間に形成
されるＸ字状空間に寄り合い現像剤の流れ方向に攪拌さ
れる。又、スクリューの作用により幅方向にも攪拌混合
され、これにより現像剤は＠後左右に攪拌混合されてト
ナー濃度ムラをな（するようシζしている。As an improvement to this, as shown in FIG. 6, instead of the stirring screw 40 in FIG.
．． A stirring device has been proposed in which a plurality of stirrers 15 are disposed close to each other and parallel to each other. As the above two screws 14 and 15 rotate in opposite directions, the developer above each other and the replenished toner gather in the X-shaped space formed between both screws, and the developer Stirred in the flow direction. Further, the action of the screw causes the developer to be stirred and mixed in the width direction, and as a result, the developer is stirred and mixed from side to side at the back, thereby creating uneven toner concentration.

従来、攪拌装置は、１本のスクリューを用いた場合でも
上記の２本のスクリューを用いた形式の場合でも、当該
現イ象器での現像中あるいはそれとその前後の僅かつ時
間すなわち現像スリーブが動いている間のみ回転し、攪
拌が行なわれるのが通常であった。しかし、１つの現像
器での現像時間は短かく、場合によってはトナー濃度ム
ラがなくなる程度迄現像剤を攪拌出来ずそのためコピー
画像に濃度ムラ、色ムラが発生することがしばしばあっ
た。Conventionally, stirring devices, whether using a single screw or the two screws described above, have been used for a short period of time during or before and after development in the developer, that is, when the developing sleeve is Usually, it rotated and stirred only while it was in motion. However, the developing time in one developing device is short, and in some cases, the developer cannot be stirred to the extent that toner density unevenness is eliminated, which often causes density unevenness and color unevenness in the copied image.

これを改善する方法としては、攪拌スクリューを現像ス
リーブと同時に始動させ、現像が完了し、短時間（例え
ば約０６秒）の後現像スリーブの回転が停止した後、次
の現像器による現像器の作動中も、要すれば更にこれに
続く現像器の作動中も攪■−スクリュー０回転を続行さ
せることにより解決される。As a method to improve this, the stirring screw is started at the same time as the developing sleeve, and after the development is completed and the rotation of the developing sleeve stops after a short period of time (for example, about 0.6 seconds), the next developing device is started. This problem can be solved by continuing the agitation-screw zero rotation during operation and, if necessary, during subsequent operation of the developing device.

なお、第２図７’Ｊ至第４図にタイ≦□ングチャートを
示した本発明の第１乃至第３実施例では、第１色［１の
現像中に停止している残余の現像器のトナー濃度を、現
像剤が安定してセンサー内Ｋｒ帯溜している状態で計測
することとしているので、上述の如く現像完了後逸攪拌
スクリューを回転し続けると、センサー内の現像剤が流
下してしまいトナー濃度の計測ができ−なくなる。した
がってこの攪拌方法は第５図に示した本発明り第４実施
例、おるいは従来の如く、各現像器つ作動開始に合せて
トナー濃度センサーの検知を開始する場合にのみ効果を
発揮する。In addition, in the first to third embodiments of the present invention, in which the tying□ timing chart is shown in FIG. 2 7'J to FIG. The toner concentration is measured when the developer is stably accumulated in the sensor, so if the stirring screw continues to rotate after development is completed as described above, the developer in the sensor will flow down. As a result, toner concentration cannot be measured. Therefore, this agitation method is effective only when the detection of the toner concentration sensor is started at the same time as the start of operation of each developing device, as in the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, or as in the conventional method. .

以北述べた各実施例は、カラー複写機に一般に多く使用
されている青、緑、赤の３枚つフィルターで色分解し、
イエロー、マゼンタ、シアンの３色のトナーを夫々含む
現像剤で現像する多色複写機を対象として説明したが、
本発明はこれに限定されるものではな（、例えば黄、青
、緑、赤の４色のフィルターを用いて色分解し、黒、イ
エロー、マゼンタ、シアンの４色のトナーを夫々含む現
ｆ雫剤で現像を行なう多色複写機等Ｏトナー補給方法に
も適用できる。In each of the embodiments described above, colors are separated using three filters, blue, green, and red, which are commonly used in color copying machines.
The explanation was given for a multicolor copying machine that develops with a developer containing toners of three colors: yellow, magenta, and cyan.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to O-toner replenishment methods such as multicolor copying machines that perform development with droplets.

以上の如く本発明によれば、トナー濃度検知をセンサー
中１）現像剤が安定した状態で検知するため検知誤差が
少なくなり、又トナー補給時間を十分長くとることがで
きるので、高濃度オリジナルを複写した場合でもトナー
補給が間に合わないようなことがなく、各現像器のトナ
ー濃度を常に所定の基準値に正確に維持することができ
、良好な色再現が可能となり、コピー品質の向上に顕著
な効果が得られる。As described above, according to the present invention, the toner concentration is detected in the sensor while the developer is in a stable state, so the detection error is reduced, and the toner replenishment time can be sufficiently long, so that high-density originals can be used. Even when copying, toner replenishment is not delayed, and the toner density of each developing device can always be accurately maintained at a predetermined standard value, enabling good color reproduction and significantly improving copy quality. You can get the following effect.

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

第１図は本発明の方法が適用される多色複写機り）現像
装置の一例を示す断面図、第２図乃至第５図は夫々本発
明の実施例υトナー濃度検知とトナー補給り）タイムチ
ャート、第６図は第１図の現像装置と異る現像剤攪拌装
置を備えた現像装置の一例を示す断面図である。 １・・・感光体ドラム　　５・・・トナー濃度検知器１
０・・・現像剤 １１・・・１色目（イエロー）現像器 １２・・・２色目（マゼンタ）現像器 １５・・・３色［］（シアン）現像器 第４図 第５図 第６図Figure 1 is a sectional view showing an example of a developing device of a multi-color copying machine to which the method of the present invention is applied, and Figures 2 to 5 are examples of the present invention (toner concentration detection and toner replenishment). The time chart, FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an example of a developing device equipped with a developer stirring device different from the developing device shown in FIG. 1... Photosensitive drum 5... Toner concentration detector 1
0...Developer 11...1st color (yellow) developer 12...2nd color (magenta) developer 15...3 color [] (cyan) developer Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6

Claims (5)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] （１）原稿−の色分解光像を感光体上に順次露光して形
成された各分解光に対応する潜像の夫々を、磁性キャリ
アと、互いに異なる色の絶縁性トナーとから成る現像剤
を夫々保持する現像器で一色ずつ１ｌｆｆｌ　Ｋ現像し
、同一つ転写紙上に重ね合せて転写してカラーコピーを
作成する多色複写機のトナー補給を、コイル内に現像剤
を流入させた場合の現像剤つキャリアとトナーとの混合
比の変化に伴うコイルのインダクタンスの変化より検知
されたトナー濃度の検知信号により行５トナ″−補給方
法において、１色目０現像器で現像中に、１色目の現像
器以外に残余の現像器内の現像剤グ）トナー濃度をも検
知してトナー補、給を行うことを特徴とするトナー補給
方法。(1) A developer consisting of a magnetic carrier and insulating toner of different colors is used to develop each latent image corresponding to each separated light formed by sequentially exposing the color separated light image of the original onto a photoreceptor. When replenishing toner in a multicolor copying machine, which develops 1lffl K for each color in a developing device that holds each color and transfers them onto transfer paper to create a color copy, the developer flows into the coil. A detection signal of the toner concentration detected from a change in the inductance of the coil due to a change in the mixture ratio of developer, carrier and toner is used to detect the first color. A toner replenishment method characterized in that in addition to the developer in the remaining developer, the toner concentration in the remaining developer is also detected to perform toner replenishment and supply. （２）１色［］の現像器での現像中に検知された他の現
像器グ）現像剤トナー濃度の検知信号により、腰仙の現
像器での現像時にその現像器にトナー補給を行うことを
特徴とする特許請求の範囲第１項に記載のトナー補給方
法。(2) When developing with the lumbosacral developer, toner is replenished to the other developer detected during development with the lumbosacral developer based on the detection signal of the developer toner concentration. The toner replenishing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: （３）１色目つ現像器へのトナーの補給な該１色目つ現
像器での現像中から開始し、２色目の現像中迄続行する
ことを特徴とする特許請求の範囲第１項に記載のトナー
補給方法。(3) The replenishment of toner to the first color developing device starts during development in the first color developing device and continues until the second color is being developed. How to replenish toner. （４）　　各現像器へのトナーの補給を１色目Ｏ現像中
に検知された各現像器内現像剤のト木−濃度の検知信号
により、当該現像器での現像時間及びその後の時間にわ
たって行なうことを特徴とする特許請求の範囲第１項、
に記載のトナー補給方法。(4) Replenishment of toner to each developing device is performed during the development time in that developing device and the subsequent time based on the detection signal of the density of the developer in each developing device detected during the first color O development. Claim 1 is characterized in that:
Toner replenishment method described in . （５）各現像器での現像時期にかぎわらず、常にトナー
濃度を検知し、各現像器−・のトナー補給を当該現像器
での現像時間内における検知信号に、より、当該現像器
で０現像時間及びその後０時間にわたって行なうことを
特徴とする特許請求の範囲第１項に記載のトナー補給方
法。(5) Regardless of the development time in each developer, the toner concentration is always detected, and the toner replenishment of each developer is determined by the detection signal within the development time of the developer. 2. The toner replenishing method according to claim 1, wherein the toner replenishment method is carried out for 0 development time and 0 hours thereafter.