JPS61149978A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Image forming device

Info

Publication number
JPS61149978A
JPS61149978A JP59272060A JP27206084A JPS61149978A JP S61149978 A JPS61149978 A JP S61149978A JP 59272060 A JP59272060 A JP 59272060A JP 27206084 A JP27206084 A JP 27206084A JP S61149978 A JPS61149978 A JP S61149978A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
developing
developer
developing device
image forming
toner
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP59272060A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Yoshikuni Toyama
遠山　芳邦
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to JP59272060A priority Critical patent/JPS61149978A/en
Publication of JPS61149978A publication Critical patent/JPS61149978A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0896—Arrangements or disposition of the complete developer unit or parts thereof not provided for by groups G03G15/08 - G03G15/0894

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

PURPOSE:To increase the capacity of a developer which is high in frequency of use and to improve the usability by making the developer storage capacity of the uppermost stage developing devices among plural developing devices which are provided opposite a latent image carrier larger than that of any other developing device. CONSTITUTION:A polychromatic developing device 3 has the 1st and the 2nd developing devices 4 and 5, which have developing sleeves 4a and 5a; and a latent image is developed with toner on those sleeves 4a and 5a. The 1st and the 2nd developing devices 4 and 5 are arranged at an upper and a lower peripheral position of a photosensitive drum 7 so that the 1st developing device 4 is almost right above the 2nd developing device 5. The 1st developing device 4 consists of a developing part 40 and a storage part 60 and agitator rods 42 and 63 are arranged respectively. For example, when the 1st developing device 4 reproduces black with black toner and the 2nd developing device 5 reproduces red with red toner, the amount of used black toner is much less than that of red toner, so that storage part 60 is made larger than the storage part 51 to improve the usability.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 本発明は画像形成装置に関するものであり、特に複数の
現像装置を備え、該各現像装置はそれぞれ異なる色の現
像剤を有するようにした画像形成装置に関するものであ
る０本発明は２色又は３色以上の単色カラー、所謂マル
チカラー用画像形成装置に限らずフルカラー用の画像形
成装置にも好適に応用することができる０本明細書で画
像形成装置とは、カラー複写装置、コンピュータ及びフ
ァクシミリ等の出力部を構成する色刷りプリンター他の
種々のカラー印刷装置を包含するものとする。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of developing devices, each of which has a developer of a different color. The present invention can be suitably applied not only to an image forming apparatus for two or more monochrome colors, so-called multi-color image forming apparatus, but also to a full-color image forming apparatus. It includes various color printing devices such as copying machines, computers, and color printers that constitute the output units of facsimile machines.

従」Ｌの」Ｅ術 最近、特殊分野に限らず一般専務の分野でもカラー複写
及び印刷の需要が急速に増大し、専門家のみならず誰で
も使用し得るカラー画像形成装置が希求されている。特
に、２色又は３色以上の単色の原稿を、時にはフルカラ
ーの原稿を所望の色で複写又は印刷することが要求され
ることがあり、マルチカラー画像形成装置を始めフル力
ラー画像形成装置においてもこれら要望に応え選択的に
２色又は３色以上の単色にて効率よく複写又は印刷作動
可能であることが要求されている。Recently, the demand for color copying and printing has increased rapidly, not only in special fields but also in general managing fields, and there is a demand for color image forming devices that can be used not only by professionals but by anyone. . In particular, there are cases where it is required to copy or print monochrome originals with two or more colors, and sometimes full-color originals, in desired colors, and full-power color image forming apparatuses such as multicolor image forming apparatuses are used. In order to meet these demands, it is also required to be able to copy or print selectively and efficiently using two or more single colors.

斯る要求を満足させるために、従来のカラー画像形成装
置は複数の現像装置を備え、該各現像装置はそれぞれ異
なる色の現像剤を使用している。In order to satisfy such requirements, conventional color image forming apparatuses include a plurality of developing devices, each of which uses a developer of a different color.

この場合、現像装置の１つは、最も使用頻度の高い黒色
画像を作る現像装置であり、他は赤、青。In this case, one of the developing devices is the one that produces the most frequently used black image, and the others are red and blue.

緑等のカラー画像を作る現像装置であるのが一般的であ
る。Generally, it is a developing device that creates color images such as green.

第２図には従来の例えば黒色、赤色の２色画像を得るた
めのカラー電子写真複写装置が概略断面図にて示される
。FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional color electrophotographic copying apparatus for obtaining two-color images, for example, black and red.

カラー電子写真複写装置の概略中央部に、表面に電子写
真用感光層が形成された感光ドラム１が配置され、該感
光ドラム１は周知の態様で回転中心０を有した回転支持
軸（図示せず）に回転自在に且つ着脱自在に取付られる
。感光ドラム１は矢印Ｘの方向、つまり第２図で時計方
向に回転するものとすると、感光ドラム１の概略真上位
置に１次帯電器２、感光ドラム１の、第２図で右側側部
に多色現像装置３、感光ドラムｌの概略真下位置に転写
放電器８及び感光ドラムｌの、第２図で左側側部にクリ
ーニング装置９が配置される。又、電子写真複写装置の
上方部には光学系（図示せず）が配置され、原稿画像を
、前記１次帯電器２と多色現像装置３との間に位置した
露光部６にて感光ドラム１上に投影するように構成され
る。A photosensitive drum 1 having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer formed on its surface is arranged approximately in the center of a color electrophotographic copying apparatus, and the photosensitive drum 1 is mounted on a rotation support shaft (not shown) having a rotation center 0 in a well-known manner. It is rotatably and removably attached to the Assuming that the photosensitive drum 1 rotates in the direction of arrow X, that is, clockwise in FIG. A multicolor developing device 3 is provided, a transfer discharger 8 is located approximately directly below the photosensitive drum 1, and a cleaning device 9 is provided on the left side of the photosensitive drum 1 in FIG. Further, an optical system (not shown) is disposed in the upper part of the electrophotographic copying apparatus, and the original image is exposed to light at an exposure section 6 located between the primary charger 2 and the multicolor developing device 3. It is configured to project onto the drum 1.

第２図の複写装置は上述のように黒色、赤色の２色画像
を得るためのカラー電子写真複写装置であるために多色
現像装置３は現像装置４及び５の２個とされるが、３個
以上の現像装置が配置される場合もある。Since the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is a color electrophotographic copying apparatus for obtaining two-color images of black and red as described above, there are two multicolor developing devices 3, developing devices 4 and 5. Three or more developing devices may be arranged.

上述のように、従来の複写装置においては現像装置は全
て同一か大略同一の構造とされ感光ドラムの周囲に配置
されていた。As described above, in conventional copying apparatuses, all the developing devices have the same or approximately the same structure and are arranged around the photosensitive drum.

が　　　　　　　−　　　　　　、　　へしかしながら
、上述のように各現像装置の使用頻度は相違し、特に黒
色現像装置の使用頻度は他の色の現像装置に比較して格
段に多い、このように使用頻度が異なるにも拘らず現像
装置の容量が同一であるために、使用頻度の多い現像装
置に対しては頻繁な現像剤又は現像補充剤の補給が必要
であり、操作者にとっては大変面倒である。一方、使用
頻度の小さい現像装置は画像形成装置全体の中で無駄な
空間を占有していることとなり。However, as mentioned above, the frequency of use of each developing device is different, and in particular, the frequency of use of the black developing device is much higher than that of developing devices for other colors. However, since the capacities of the developing devices are the same, frequently used developing devices require frequent replenishment of developer or developer replenisher, which is very troublesome for the operator. On the other hand, a developing device that is used infrequently occupies wasted space within the entire image forming apparatus.

装置全体の構成を無駄に大とすることとなる。This unnecessarily increases the overall size of the device.

第２図にて説明した複写装置の構成から理解されるよう
に、一般的な画像形成装置の構成としては、潜像担持部
材、即ち感光体ｌを中心に考えた場合上方は原稿画像を
感光体ｌ上に露光するための光学装置６が配置され、下
方は感光体１上の画像（現像済みのトナー像）を転写材
Ｐに転写するための領域として使用され、タイミングロ
ーラ７、転写放電器８及び搬送装置ｌＯ等が配置される
。従って現像装置を配置するための領域は制限され、該
空間の最も有効な使用が要求される。As can be understood from the configuration of the copying apparatus explained in FIG. An optical device 6 for exposure is disposed on the photoreceptor 1, and the lower part is used as an area for transferring the image (developed toner image) on the photoreceptor 1 to the transfer material P. Electric appliances 8, a transport device 1O, etc. are arranged. Therefore, the area for arranging the developing device is limited, and the most effective use of this space is required.

１乱立且１ 従って１本発明の目的は、現像装置のための占有空間を
最大限有効に使用し、操作者に頻繁な現像剤又は現像補
充剤の補給作業を要求しない画像形成装置を提供するこ
とである。Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that uses the space occupied by a developing device as effectively as possible and does not require the operator to frequently replenish developer or developer replenisher. That's true.

口　占　　　　　ため 上記目的は本発明によって達成される０本発明は要約す
れば、潜像担持部材に対向して複数個の現像装置が互い
に概略上下位置関係にて配置された画像形成装置におい
て、最上段の現像装置の現像剤又は現像補充剤の収容量
を大とし、該最上段以外の現像装置の現像剤又は現像補
充剤の収容量を小としたことを特徴とする画像形成装置
である。又、本発明の好ましい実施態様によると、最上
段の現像装置は、現像手段を有する現像部と、現像剤又
は現像補充剤の貯蔵部と、前記貯蔵部から前記現像部へ
と現像剤又は現像補充剤を供給する供給手段とを具備し
、前記貯蔵部には外部から現像剤又は現像補充剤を補給
し得るように構成される。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the above object is achieved by the present invention.To summarize, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of developing devices are arranged in a substantially vertical positional relationship with respect to a latent image bearing member. This image forming apparatus is characterized in that the capacity of the developer or developer replenisher in the upper stage developing device is large, and the capacity of the developer or developer replenisher in the developing devices other than the uppermost stage is small. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the uppermost developing device includes a developing section having a developing means, a storage section for a developer or a developer replenisher, and a developer or developer replenisher from the storage section to the developing section. and a supply means for supplying a replenisher, and the storage section is configured to be able to be supplied with a developer or a developer replenisher from the outside.

次に、本発明に係る画像形成装置について図面を参照し
て更に詳しく説明する。Next, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

第１図には、本発明に係る画像形成装置を２色のカラー
電子写真複写装置に具現化した実施態様が図示される。FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is implemented as a two-color color electrophotographic copying apparatus.

第１図に例示される複写装置は、多色現像装置３の構成
が大きく相違する以外は前記第２図に関連して説明した
複写装置と概略同一である。The copying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is generally the same as the copying apparatus described in connection with FIG. 2 above, except for the large difference in the configuration of the multicolor developing device 3.

斯る構成において、潜像相持部材である感光ドラム１は
矢印Ｘの方向に定速で回転する。感光ドラム１の表面は
回転に従って、まずコロナ帯電器２で一様に帯電される
０次に、照明光源１１によって照明された原稿台１２上
の載置原稿（図示せず）の反射光像は移動ミラー１３．
１４．１５、レンズ１６及び固定ミラー１７を介して感
光ドラム１の表面に結像し、光像に応じて潜像を形成す
る。本実施例においては原稿台１２は固定式であり、ミ
ラー１３．１４．１５を図示していない往復運動手段に
よって運動せしめることで、感光ドラム１の上に原稿の
潜像を形成する構成とされるが、他の光学系を使用し得
ることはいうまでもない。In this configuration, the photosensitive drum 1, which is a latent image bearing member, rotates in the direction of arrow X at a constant speed. As the photosensitive drum 1 rotates, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is first uniformly charged by the corona charger 2. Then, the reflected light image of the original (not shown) placed on the original platen 12 illuminated by the illumination light source 11 is Moving mirror 13.
14.15, an image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 via the lens 16 and the fixed mirror 17, and a latent image is formed according to the optical image. In this embodiment, the document table 12 is of a fixed type, and a latent image of the document is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by moving the mirrors 13, 14, and 15 by reciprocating means (not shown). However, it goes without saying that other optical systems can be used.

潜像は多色現像装置３．つまり第１現像装置４又は第２
現像装置５のどちらかで選択的に現像される。現像され
たトナー像は、給紙カセット（図示せず）から送り出さ
れ、そしてタイミングローラ７にて感光ドラム１上のト
ナー像と同期をとって送給された転写紙Ｐに帯電器８に
よって転写される。トナー像が転写された転写紙は分離
帯電器９によって感光ドラム１から分離され、搬送装置
ｌＯによって定着装置（図示せず）へと移送され、定着
装置にてトナー像は転写紙に定着される。一方、感光ド
ラム１の表面に残留したトナーはクリーニング装置９に
よってかき落され、又感光ドラム１に残留した不要電荷
は照明装置１８の照明光により除去される０次で感光ド
ラムｌは再び帯電器２によって帯電され上記プロセスを
繰り返す。The latent image is produced by a multicolor developing device 3. In other words, the first developing device 4 or the second developing device
The image is selectively developed by either of the developing devices 5. The developed toner image is sent out from a paper feed cassette (not shown), and is transferred by a charger 8 to a transfer paper P that is fed by a timing roller 7 in synchronization with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1. be done. The transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 1 by a separation charger 9, and transported to a fixing device (not shown) by a conveying device 1O, where the toner image is fixed on the transfer paper. . On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is scraped off by the cleaning device 9, and the unnecessary charge remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the illumination light of the lighting device 18. 2 and repeat the above process.

次に、多色現像装置３について更に詳しく説明する。Next, the multicolor developing device 3 will be explained in more detail.

上述のように、第１図に例示される実施例においては多
色現像装置３は第１現像装置４及び第２現像装置５から
成り、各現像装置４．５は現像スリーブ４ａ、５ａを有
し該現像スリーブ上のトナーにより潜像の現像を行なう
任意の現像方式、つまり一成分系現像方式又は二成分系
の所謂磁気ブラシ現像方式等を採用することができる。As mentioned above, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the multicolor development device 3 comprises a first development device 4 and a second development device 5, each development device 4.5 having a development sleeve 4a, 5a. However, any developing method for developing a latent image using toner on the developing sleeve, such as a one-component developing method or a two-component so-called magnetic brush developing method, can be adopted.

該２つの現像装置は、コピー動作開始前に、図示してい
ない操作部からオペレータによってどちらか一方の現像
装置が選択され、選択された現像装置のみの現像スリー
ブに現像バイアスが印加され現像可能な状態となる。Before starting the copying operation, one of the two developing devices is selected by an operator from an operation section (not shown), and a developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve of only the selected developing device, so that development is possible. state.

本発明に従えば、感光ドラム１の周囲に配置される第１
現像装置４と第２現像装置５とは概略上下方向に整列し
た位置関係にて配列される。即ち第１現像装置４は第２
現像装置５の概略垂直上方に配置される。According to the present invention, the first
The developing device 4 and the second developing device 5 are arranged in a substantially vertically aligned positional relationship. That is, the first developing device 4 is
It is arranged approximately vertically above the developing device 5.

次に、第１現像装置４及び第２現像装置５について説明
する。Next, the first developing device 4 and the second developing device 5 will be explained.

第１現像装置４は現像部４０と、貯蔵部６０とから成る
。現像部４０は、感光ドラム１に対面した位置に開口を
有した容器４１と、マグネット（図示せず）を内蔵し、
該開口部に配置された現像スリーブ４ａとを具備する。The first developing device 4 includes a developing section 40 and a storage section 60. The developing section 40 includes a container 41 having an opening at a position facing the photosensitive drum 1 and a built-in magnet (not shown).
A developing sleeve 4a disposed in the opening.

該容器４１には更に、前記現像スリーブ４ａに対し平行
に配置されそして現像剤の攪拌と該現像スリーブ方向へ
の現像剤の搬送とを行う撹拌棒４２と、該撹拌棒４２の
上方には周囲を絶縁被覆された導電性のアンテナ部材４
４が配置される。又、前記容器４１の右上部には貯蔵部
６０に向って開いた細長い開口部４５が設けられる。The container 41 further includes a stirring bar 42 which is arranged parallel to the developing sleeve 4a and which stirs the developer and transports the developer in the direction of the developing sleeve. conductive antenna member 4 coated with insulation
4 is placed. Further, an elongated opening 45 that opens toward the storage section 60 is provided at the upper right portion of the container 41 .

貯蔵部６０は、前記開口部４５に連通する容器６１を具
備し、該容器６１内には該開口部４５に隣接してマグネ
ットローラ６２と、該マグネットローラ６２の上方に設
けられ、容器６１の両側壁に近接して回転する撹拌棒６
３とが配置される。The storage unit 60 includes a container 61 that communicates with the opening 45 , a magnet roller 62 adjacent to the opening 45 , and a magnet roller 62 disposed above the magnet roller 62 in the container 61 . Stirring rod 6 rotating close to both side walls
3 are arranged.

以上の構成において通常の黒色コピーを行なう場合には
、上述のように、コピー動作開始信号によりメインモー
タ（図示せず）が回転し感光体ドラム１が回転を始める
０次に光学系駆動モータ（図示せず）の回転により第１
、第２、第３移動ミラー１３．１４．１５が走査を開始
する。When performing normal black copying with the above configuration, as described above, the main motor (not shown) rotates in response to the copy operation start signal, and the 0th-order optical system drive motor (not shown) rotates the photoreceptor drum 1. (not shown) causes the first
, the second and third moving mirrors 13.14.15 start scanning.

未実施態様においては、大容量の第１現像？を置４に黒
色現像剤が収容されているとすると、この時、第１現像
装置４の現像スリーブ４ａは回転を始め、同時に現像ス
リーブ４ａには現像バイアスが印加され、現像可能な状
態となる。一方、第２現像装置５の現像スリーブ５ａは
回転駆動されず、又現像バイアスも印加されない。In an unimplemented embodiment, large-capacity first development? Assuming that the black developer is stored in the first developing device 4, at this time, the developing sleeve 4a of the first developing device 4 starts rotating, and at the same time a developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve 4a, making it ready for development. . On the other hand, the developing sleeve 5a of the second developing device 5 is not rotationally driven, and no developing bias is applied.

第１現像装置４の現像部４０内の現像剤は撹拌棒４２の
作用により第１図Ａの様な形状に堆積される。従って、
前記アンテナ４４には現像スリーブに印加された現像バ
イアスによって電圧が誘起される。該電圧は上記現像剤
が消費されて例えば第１図Ｂの様な形状になると、現像
スリーブ４ａとアンテナ４４との間の誘電率が変ったこ
とによりアンテナ４４に誘起される電圧が変ってくる。The developer in the developing section 40 of the first developing device 4 is deposited in a shape as shown in FIG. 1A by the action of the stirring rod 42. Therefore,
A voltage is induced in the antenna 44 by a developing bias applied to the developing sleeve. When the developer is consumed and becomes, for example, in the shape shown in FIG. 1B, the voltage induced in the antenna 44 changes due to the change in the dielectric constant between the developing sleeve 4a and the antenna 44. .

予め設定した所定の値まで変化した時点で、貯蔵部６０
の駆動モータ（図示せず）に通電され、マグネットロー
ラ６２が第１図において時計方向に回転を始める。該マ
グネットローラ６２と容器６１との間隔は右方が広く、
左方が狭く設定されているために、マグネットローラ６
２が回転することにより、左側部分で磁性トナーがかき
落とされることになる。When the change reaches a predetermined value, the storage unit 60
The drive motor (not shown) is energized, and the magnet roller 62 begins to rotate clockwise in FIG. The distance between the magnet roller 62 and the container 61 is wider on the right side;
Because the left side is set narrowly, the magnetic roller 6
2 rotates, the magnetic toner is scraped off on the left side.

連続してコピーが行なわれていると、現像部４０に落下
した現像剤は撹拌棒４２によって現像スリーブ４ａ上に
搬送される。現像スリーブ４ａ上の現像剤量が増したこ
とにより前述のアンテナ４４での誘起電圧が元のレベル
に戻り、その時点で該貯蔵部６０の駆動モータ（図示せ
ず）への通電が断たれる。When copying is performed continuously, the developer that has fallen into the developing section 40 is conveyed onto the developing sleeve 4a by the stirring rod 42. As the amount of developer on the developing sleeve 4a increases, the voltage induced in the antenna 44 returns to its original level, and at that point, the power to the drive motor (not shown) of the storage section 60 is cut off. .

マグネットローラ６２の斜め上方には撹拌棒６３が配置
され、マグネットローラ６２と同様上記駆動モータから
駆動伝達されマグネットローラ６２と同期して回転し、
現像剤のブリッジ現象を防止している。A stirring rod 63 is arranged diagonally above the magnet roller 62, and like the magnet roller 62, the stirring rod 63 is driven by the drive motor and rotates in synchronization with the magnet roller 62.
Prevents developer bridging phenomenon.

貯蔵部６０の容器下部側壁には、電圧振動子を内蔵した
現像剤検知素子６４が設けられており、該容器内の現像
剤レベルが上記検知素子６４より下になった時点で貯蔵
部６０に現像剤を補充するよう機械装置本体の操作部に
表示警告を行う。A developer detection element 64 containing a built-in voltage oscillator is provided on the side wall of the lower part of the container of the storage section 60, and when the developer level in the container becomes lower than the detection element 64, a signal is detected in the storage section 60. Displays a warning on the operating section of the mechanical device to replenish the developer.

以上説明したように、第１現像装置４は現像部４０と貯
蔵部６０とに分かれており且つ該第１現像装置は最下段
に配置されているために貯蔵部６０を大きく構成するこ
とができ、従って頻繁に使用されるに適した大容量の現
像装置が実現できる。As explained above, the first developing device 4 is divided into the developing section 40 and the storage section 60, and since the first developing device is arranged at the lowest stage, the storage section 60 can be configured to be large. Therefore, a large-capacity developing device suitable for frequent use can be realized.

第２現像装置５は、感光ドラム１に対面した位置に開口
を有した容器５１と、マグネット（図示せず）を内蔵し
、前記開口部に配置された現像スリーブ５ａとを具備す
る。又、前記容器５１は該容器内部を密閉するための蓋
５２を有する。The second developing device 5 includes a container 51 having an opening at a position facing the photosensitive drum 1, and a developing sleeve 5a containing a built-in magnet (not shown) and disposed in the opening. Further, the container 51 has a lid 52 for sealing the inside of the container.

上記実施例においては第２現像装置５は内部を密閉する
蓋部分５２を有し、現像剤が補充できない、所謂使い捨
てタイプの現象装置の例が示されている。つまり該実施
例の第２現像装置５には現像剤の残量検知手段が設けら
れておらず、コピー動作を続けていき、現像剤が無くな
り画像が出なくなった時点で第２現像装置５は新品のも
のと交換することになる。In the above embodiment, the second developing device 5 has a lid portion 52 that seals the inside thereof, and is a so-called disposable type device in which developer cannot be replenished. In other words, the second developing device 5 of this embodiment is not provided with a means for detecting the remaining amount of developer, and the copying operation continues, and when the developer runs out and no image is produced, the second developing device 5 It will be replaced with a new one.

しかしながら、第２現像装置５は、第３図に示すように
、小容量の現像補充剤を収納したカートリッジ５３を使
う方式の現像装置であっても良い。この場合第１現像装
置と同様に現像スリーブ５ａの上方にアンテナ部材５４
と撹拌棒５５とを設けて現像剤量を検知し、現像剤が残
り少なくなったことを操作パネル（図示せず）に表示し
て警告する。いずれにしても特定の色（例えば黒色）以
外のコピーの比率、即ち現像剤の消費量の比率はかなり
低いのが通例であり、使用比率の大きな特定の色（例え
ば黒色）の現像装置と同じ容積の空間を占有するのは不
合理であり、現像剤消費量に見合った容積とするべきで
ある。そうすることによって、操作者（使用者）による
使用比率の高い現像装置への頻繁な現像剤の補充作業が
軽減され得る。However, as shown in FIG. 3, the second developing device 5 may be a developing device using a cartridge 53 containing a small amount of developer replenisher. In this case, similarly to the first developing device, an antenna member 54 is provided above the developing sleeve 5a.
and a stirring rod 55 are provided to detect the amount of developer, and display a warning on an operation panel (not shown) that the developer is running low. In any case, the ratio of copies of colors other than a specific color (e.g., black), that is, the ratio of developer consumption, is usually quite low, and is the same as the development device for a specific color (e.g., black), which has a large usage ratio. It is unreasonable to occupy a large amount of space, and the volume should be commensurate with the amount of developer consumed. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the need for the operator (user) to frequently replenish the developing device with developer, which is used at a high rate.

第２現像装置５を使用して色コピー（例えば赤色コピー
）をとる場合の動作は第１現像装置４を使用する場合と
全く同一であり、第１現像現像装置４の代わりに第２現
像装置が駆動され、現像バイアスが印加される。The operation when making a color copy (for example, a red copy) using the second developing device 5 is exactly the same as when using the first developing device 4, and the second developing device is used instead of the first developing device 4. is driven and a developing bias is applied.

上記説明から理解されるように、小容量現像装置を剤補
充不可能な使い捨て方式とするか或いは小さなカートリ
ッジ等を用いる補充可能方式とするかは装置コスト、使
用コスト、設計思想等により決定されるものであり、い
ずれであっても本発明の目的と矛盾を生じるものではな
い、又、本実施例においては２個の現像装置が使用され
たが３個或は３個以上であっても、それらのうち１個を
現像部と貯蔵部とに分かれた構成として、現像器群の最
上段に配置し、更に他の現像装置を小容量とすることに
よって前述の実施例と全く同様に空間を有効に利用する
ことができる。As can be understood from the above explanation, whether the small-capacity developing device is a disposable type that cannot be refilled or a refillable type that uses a small cartridge etc. is determined by the device cost, usage cost, design philosophy, etc. However, although two developing devices were used in this embodiment, there may be three or more developing devices. One of them is configured as a developing section and a storage section, and placed at the top of the developing device group, and the other developing devices have a small capacity, thereby saving space in exactly the same way as in the previous embodiment. It can be used effectively.

１１立ム】 本発明に係る像形成装置は以上の如くに構成されるので
、限定された現像装置占有領域を有効に利用することが
でき、且つ大容量現像装置の貯蔵部上端から現像剤又は
現像補給剤の補給を行なうことができ、補給頻度が低減
される上に、補給操作そのものも容易となるという利益
がある。Since the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured as described above, the limited area occupied by the developing device can be effectively utilized, and the developer or The developer replenishing agent can be replenished, the frequency of replenishment can be reduced, and the replenishment operation itself can be facilitated.

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

第１図は、本発明に係る画像形成装置の一実施態様であ
るカラー電子写真複写装置の断面図である。 第２図は、従来のカラー電子写真複写装置の概略断面図
である。 第３図は、第１図の画像形成装置に使用し得る現像装置
の他の実施例の断面図である。 １：感光ドラム ４．５：現像装置 ４ａ、　５ａ：現像スリーブ ４０：現像部 ６０：貯蔵部 第３図FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a color electrophotographic copying apparatus which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional color electrophotographic copying apparatus. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a developing device that can be used in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1: Photosensitive drum 4.5: Developing device 4a, 5a: Developing sleeve 40: Developing section 60: Storage section Fig. 3

Claims (1)

【特許請求の範囲】 １）潜像担持部材に対向して複数個の現像装置が互いに
概略上下位置関係にて配置された画像形成装置において
、最上段の現像装置の現像剤又は現像補充剤の収容量を
大とし、該最上段以外の現像装置の現像剤又は現像補充
剤の収容量を小としたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。 ２）最上段の現像装置は、現像手段を有する現像部と、
現像剤又は現像補充剤の貯蔵部と、前記貯蔵部から前記
現像部へと現像剤又は現像補充剤を供給する供給手段と
を具備し、前記貯蔵部には外部から現像剤又は現像補充
剤を補給し得るようにした特許請求の範囲第１項記載の
画像形成装置。[Scope of Claims] 1) In an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of developing devices are arranged in a substantially vertical positional relationship with each other facing a latent image bearing member, the amount of developer or developer replenisher in the uppermost developing device is An image forming apparatus characterized in that the storage capacity is large, and the storage capacity of developer or developer replenisher in developing devices other than the uppermost stage is small. 2) The uppermost developing device includes a developing section having a developing means;
A storage section for a developer or a developer replenisher, and a supply means for supplying the developer or developer replenisher from the storage section to the development section, and the storage section is provided with a developer or a developer replenisher from the outside. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of being replenished.
JP59272060A 1984-12-25 1984-12-25 Image forming device Pending JPS61149978A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP59272060A JPS61149978A (en) 1984-12-25 1984-12-25 Image forming device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP59272060A JPS61149978A (en) 1984-12-25 1984-12-25 Image forming device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPS61149978A true JPS61149978A (en) 1986-07-08

Family

ID=17508537

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP59272060A Pending JPS61149978A (en) 1984-12-25 1984-12-25 Image forming device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS61149978A (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4982242A (en) * 1988-09-30 1991-01-01 Mita Industrial Co., Ltd. Color image forming apparatus
JP2011112705A (en) * 2009-11-24 2011-06-09 Canon Inc Electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4982242A (en) * 1988-09-30 1991-01-01 Mita Industrial Co., Ltd. Color image forming apparatus
JP2011112705A (en) * 2009-11-24 2011-06-09 Canon Inc Electrophotographic image forming apparatus

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