CN100495235C - Development apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for developing a latent image on a latent image carrier includes a toner carrier and multiple electrodes arranged at intervals on a surface of the toner carrier. A potential difference is formed between even-numbered electrodes and odd-numbered electrodes of the electrodes by applying a first pulse voltage to the even-numbered electrodes and a second pulse voltage to the odd-numbered electrodes as an applying figure 15, so that toner on the surface of the toner carrier moves back and forth between the electrodes, wherein the first and second pulse voltages are in different phases, and the toner moving back and forth between the electrodes is conveyed to a position facing the latent image carrier by movement of the surface of the toner carrier and thereby caused to adhere to the latent image on the latent image carrier.

Description

Developing apparatus and image processing system

Technical field

The present invention relates to developing apparatus and use this developing apparatus to form the image processing systems such as duplicating machine, printer, facsimile recorder of image.

Background technology

At present, as this developing apparatus, known have not only the toner that adsorbs on developer roll or the magnetic carrier is used for developing, and will transport the developer that jumps on the surface of toner carriers such as substrate at toner and be used for developing.

For example, the developing apparatus of record has and possesses the toner carrier with the tubular of a plurality of electrodes of the spacing setting of regulation at Zhou Fangxiang in the Patent Document 1.These electrodes are that the electrode pair repeated configuration that will be made of mutual two adjacent electrodes forms.Form alternating electric field between two electrodes in each electrode pair.Like this, the toner that is arranged on the electrode of electrode pair floats, and falls on another electrode, or floats from another electrode, falls on the electrode.Like this, Yi Bian repeat to jump, the surface of the rotation driving by following the tubular toner carrier is moved and is transported to developing regional on one side.At developing regional, near the toner that floats the latent image to the latent image carrier does not descend towards the electrode of toner carrier, and is attracted by the electric field that latent image forms, on latent image.In this formation, not only the toner of going up absorption such as developer roll or magnetic carrier is used for developing, and the toner that can not bring into play absorption affinity by jump also is used for developing.Thus, in an existing composition visualization way or binary visualization way, can realize not wishing the electronegative potential phenomenon that realizes.For example, also can make toner optionally attached to the potential difference (PD) of on every side non-image portion only on the electrostatic latent image of tens of (V).

Patent Document 1: the spy opens flat 3-21967 communique

In the developing apparatus of the Patent Document 1 that possesses this formation, apply alternating voltage by electrode and form above-mentioned alternating electric field toner carrier, still,, there is not concrete record in the Patent Document 1 for apply which kind of voltage as alternating voltage.But,,, consider the alternating voltage that constitutes by a pulsating wave as interchange 100 (V) power supply of extensively popularizing in the common family according to the formation shown in the 2nd figure of Patent Document 1.In detail, as shown in figure 16, consider under with the state of an electrode grounding in the electrode pair, another electrode to be applied the alternating voltage of frequency f.

Present inventors found through experiments, and are such when applying mode when adopting, and cause the phenomenon that is called as scum in the plain ground of latent image carrier portion (not writing the position of the latent image that the exposure grade obtains) adhering toner easily.Specifically, for by being carried out high-quality development, and need jump the cloud that obtains being speckless well at electrode chien shih toner by the toner of cloudization.Applying in the mode of alternating voltage shown in Figure 16, the peak to peak voltage Vpp of the electrode of the electrostatic force that jumps at electrode chien shih toner by applying pulsating wave half current potential and the potential difference (PD) of 0 (V) of the electrode of ground connection produce.And, further strengthen this electrostatic force for obtaining the good jump of toner, need further to increase the amplitude of the peak to peak voltage Vpp of pulsating wave.But, when amplitude is increased to the degree that can realize good jump, be the moment of the upper limit or lower limit in the potential change of pulsating wave, constitute moment only to form and make toner from the condition of electrode towards the electric field of the plain ground of latent image carrier portion.In such condition, become moment of the upper limit or lower limit at the current potential of pulsating wave, toner is easily attached to plain ground portion.

Summary of the invention

The present invention constitutes in view of above problem, and its purpose is, a kind of developing apparatus and image processing system that can suppress the jumping mode of scum generation is provided.

For achieving the above object, first aspect present invention provides developing apparatus, it possesses movably toner carrier of surface, this toner carrier possesses the electrode pattern with a plurality of electrodes of arranging in the state lower edge of mutually insulated prescribed direction, by being that the electrode aggregate of the odd number of starting point is that the aggregate of odd number electrode group and even number electrode is to produce potential difference (PD) between the even number electrode group at regulation electrode with described a plurality of electrodes, the lip-deep toner of described toner carrier is moved between odd number electrode and even number electrode, move by the surface of described toner carrier simultaneously it is transported to position with the latent image carrier subtend, make it attached on the latent image on the described latent image carrier, it is characterized in that, by odd number electrode and even number electrode are applied the mutually different pulse voltage of phase place, the lip-deep toner of described toner carrier is moved between two electrodes.

Second aspect present invention provides developing apparatus on the basis of first aspect, it is characterized in that, as the mutually different described pulse voltage of phase place, adopts the pulse voltage of antiphase each other.

Third aspect present invention is on the basis aspect first and second, developing apparatus is provided, it is characterized in that, in the maximal value of representing described potential difference (PD) by Vmax, when representing the spacing of described odd number electrode and described even number electrode by p, Vmax/p〉1 relation sets up, and wherein the unit of Vmax is V, and the unit of p is μ m.

On the basis of fourth aspect present invention either side in first～third aspect, developing apparatus is provided, it is characterized in that, in the spacing of establishing described odd number electrode and described even number electrode is p, when the distance of described toner carrier and latent image carrier is d, the relation of p＜d is set up, and wherein the unit of p, d all is μ m.

On the basis of fifth aspect present invention either side in first～fourth aspect, developing apparatus is provided, it is characterized in that, described toner has positive or negative normal band electric polarity, and the surface of described toner carrier is by the material covering that can give the electropolar electric charge of this normal band in rubbing with described toner to described toner.

Sixth aspect present invention aspect first～the 5th on the basis of either side, developing apparatus is provided, it is characterized in that, described toner carrier is the rotation roll shape, turning axle one side at this toner carrier links described odd number electrode group, links described even number carbon electrode group at the opposite side of described turning axle.

Seventh aspect present invention aspect first～the 6th on the basis of either side, developing apparatus is provided, it is characterized in that having the device of the toner layer that on described toner carrier, forms charged.

Eighth aspect present invention provides image processing system, it is characterized in that, has the developing apparatus of either side record in first～the 7th aspect.

Ninth aspect present invention provides image processing system, it is characterized in that, has the developing apparatus of either side record in first～the 7th aspect, overlaps to form two or more toner images by this developing apparatus on latent image carrier.

In these inventions, by odd number electrode and even number electrode are applied the mutually different pulse voltage of phase place respectively, when the side of the positive electrode, the electrode of opposite side may become and is displaced to than the current potential of center by negative side at the center that a lateral electrode is made as the amplitude (Vpp) that is displaced to than pulse voltage.Thus, can between two electrodes, produce half also big potential difference (PD) than the amplitude of pulse voltage.In such formation, compare with the situation that only a lateral electrode is applied pulse voltage, owing between two electrodes, produce desirable potential difference (PD), therefore, can suppress the generation of scum by the pulse voltage of littler amplitude (Vpp).

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the planimetric map that expression is used for the system of test of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the sectional view of the hot spot state of expression homologous ray;

Fig. 3 is the performance plot of the relation of Vmax (the V)/p (μ m) of test findings of expression homologous ray and hot spot activation grade;

Fig. 4 is the performance plot of the relation of the specific insulation on top layer 3 of test findings of expression homologous ray and hot spot activation grade;

Fig. 5 is the sectional view that expression is used for the system of test of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the performance plot of the relation of the development slit of test findings of expression homologous ray and the optical concentration recruitment on the substrate A;

Fig. 7 is the stereographic map of typical example of the toner carrier of the expression embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 (a)～(c) is the sectional view of expression with the part of the manufacturing process of toner carrier;

Fig. 9 (a)～(e) is the stretch-out view of expression with the other parts of the manufacturing process of toner carrier;

Figure 10 is that expression will be with the stretch-out view of the state after the plane expansion of toner carrier;

Figure 11 is the sectional view of expression one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is the sectional view of other embodiment of expression the present invention;

Figure 13 is the sectional view of other embodiment of expression the present invention;

Figure 14 is the sectional view of expression further embodiment of this invention;

Figure 15 is the oscillogram that expression is applied to the characteristic of A phase pulse voltage on the electrode of same toner carrier and B phase pulse voltage;

Figure 16 is the oscillogram of the characteristic of the pulse voltage on the electrode of the expression toner carrier that is applied in the Patent Document 1 record.

Reference numeral

1 glass substrate

2 electrode patterns

21,22,23 electrodes

3 protective seams

4 substrates

5,9 toner layers

6 AC power

7 substrates

8 resin beds

A, B substrate

31 toner carriers

40 electrode patterns

40A, 40B electrode axis

41,42,43 electrodes

51 cylinders

55 top layers

56 binary developers

58 photoreceptors

59 AC power

64 1 composition developers

69 photoreceptors

70K, 70Y, 70C, 70M image creation device

73K, 73Y, 73C, 73M developing apparatus

Embodiment

At first, test of the present invention is described.As shown in Figure 1; by AM aluminum metallization on glass substrate 1; the electrode pattern 2 that formation is made of a plurality of electrodes 21,22 of arranging along moving direction with the spacing of p (μ m), 23...; form the structure of the resin coating of having implemented about 3 (the μ m) of thickness, the about 10^10 of specific insulation (Ω cm) thereon as protective seam 3; formation is as the substrate 4 of toner carrier, and forms charged toner layer 5 on this substrate 4.

Image forms this toner layer 5 by developing on the spot on thin layer by not shown binary developer with respect to substrate 4.Toner uses the material of the particle diameter about 6 (μ m) of polyester, and the carried charge of the toner under the state that thin layer on the substrate 4 forms is about-22 (μ C/g).Toner layer 5 with respect to this state, as shown in Figure 2, when being that odd number electrode group applies alternating voltage from AC power 6 to aggregate as odd number electrode 21,23..., be even number electrode group when applying antiphase alternating voltage with above-mentioned alternating voltage to the aggregate as even number electrode 22... on the other hand, toner 5 makes back and forth such motion of odd number electrode group 21,23... and even number electrode group 22....Be called hot spot (or hot spot phenomenon) below this phenomenon.In addition, the state that will cause the hot spot phenomenon is called the hot spot state.

Use the spacing of electrode 21,22,23... to be respectively four kinds of substrates 4 of 50,100,200 and 400 (μ m), to be that Vmax (V) is divided into some (change) from the absolute value of the difference of the side of the positive electrode peak value of the alternating voltage that applies between 6 pairs of electrodes of AC power 21,22, the 23... and negative side peak value, observe the activation grade of hot spot simultaneously with high-speed camera, obtain result shown in Figure 3.Therefore, the distance between the width of electrode 21,22,23... and electrode 21,22, the 23... be electrode 21,22,23... spacing 1/2.

At this, the hot spot activation grade is to be attached to the surface of substrate 4 and the sample attitude of the toner of akinesia by observation, the activation grade of asking for by the functional evaluation in about 5 stages.Can confirm from Fig. 3, irrelevant with the value of Vmax or p, and roughly obtain the activation grade of hot spot uniquely by Vmax (V)/p (μ m).And, at Vmax (V)/p (μ m)〉hot spot began activation 1 o'clock, at Vmax (V)/p (μ m)〉hot spot activated fully 3 o'clock.

In addition, be the influence of the electrical characteristics on research substrate 4 surfaces, and the specific insulation on the top layer 3 of substrate 4 is divided into some (change), confirm the hot spot activation grade equally.The material that is used for top layer 3 is the silicon resinoid, by changing the amount of carbon particle that wherein disperses, forms the protective seam (about 5 (the μ m) of thickness) 3 of 10^7～10^14 (Ω cm) specific insulation.As the structure of representative, using the spacing of electrode 21,22,23... is the structure of 50 (μ m), carries out test same as described above, obtains result shown in Figure 4.

Can confirm that from this result the specific insulation on top layer 3 is suitable in the scope of 10^9～10^12 (Ω cm).This be because, when using the very high top layer 3 of specific insulation, the friction on toner that repeats to leap and top layer 3 makes the surface charging of substrate 4, thus the surface potential of substrate changes, and makes to help the bias voltage instability of developing.And this is charged to make surface potential change of substrate, makes to help the bias voltage instability of developing.On the contrary, when the electric conductivity on top layer 3 is too high,, therefore, can not obtain effective bias voltage effect owing between electrode 21,22,23..., produce the leakage (short circuit) of electric charge.Top layer 3 needs suitable resistivity (being 10^9～10^12 (Ω cm) in the specific insulation), makes to accumulate in the electric charge on substrate 4 surfaces not break away from electrode group 21,22,23....In addition, the optimum range of this specific insulation obtains by the experiment that utilization possesses the experimental facilities of device shown in Figure 2.Replace device shown in Figure 2, possess in use under the situation of developing apparatus of developer roll shown in Figure 11 (being described in detail later), also optimum range can be become above-mentioned situation.In this case, after adjusting the optimum range of the specific insulation in this developing apparatus, be adjusted into suitable specific insulation by test.

Present inventors are the influence of the triboelectric characteristic on research substrate 4 surfaces, and make top layer 3 for two kinds with silicon resinoid and fluorine-type resin, carry out hot spot activation grade same as described above and observe.For top layer 3, disperse by making carbon particle trace, thereby, also its specific insulation can be made as 10^11～10^12 (Ω cm) even set any coating in silicon resinoid, the fluorine-type resin.Applying AC bias from 6 pairs of electrodes of AC power 21,22,23..., when observing the hot spot activation grade, is under the resinoid situation of silicon on top layer 3, can keep the hot spot state for a long time, but 3 is that hot spot is subdued at once under the situation of fluorine-type resin on the top layer, is attached on the substrate 4 always.

After having carried out above-mentioned observation, measure the carried charge of the toner on the substrate 4, on top layer 3 is under the resinoid situation of silicon, the carried charge of finding the toner on the substrate 4 is lower slightly than the initial stage, but 3 is under the situation of fluorine-type resin on the top layer, and the carried charge of the toner on the substrate 4 does not almost have toner charge.Try uncharged toner the is applied to surface on each top layer 3 is that toner obtains the triboelectric charge of regular polarity under the resinoid situation of silicon on top layer 3, relative therewith, 3 is under the situation of fluorine-type resin on the top layer, more not only can not get triboelectric charge, but also becomes opposite slightly polarity.That is, because the hot spot phenomenon is the surface impacts technology many times that makes toner and substrate 4, therefore, the material that can be understood as top layer 3 preferably can not be captured the electric charge of toner, and gives the material of the electropolar electric charge of toner normal band.This is the result who the frictional electrification series of material has been carried out research, as the material on top layer 3, for example preferably uses glass-like materials or is used for the material of the carrier coating of two-component developer.

Secondly, the test findings to system shown in Figure 5 describes.Substrate A constitutes by the resin bed (it is assumed to be photoreceptor) 8 that forms about 20 (the μ m) of thickness on the substrate 7 that is made of aluminium.Substrate 7 ground connection, formation is equivalent to the toner layer 9 of 0.4 (mg/cm^2) of image on the spot on resin bed 8.This toner layer 9 forms by with not shown binary developer resin bed 8 being developed on the spot.

On this substrate A, substrate B is set, makes it with interval d (μ m) subtend.This substrate B and aforesaid substrate 4 similarly constitute, and white toner layer is made by operation afterwards in top layer 3, make it possible to easily by optical detecting device (reflected light density measuring device) instrumentation transfer toning dosage so far.As can be seen from Figure 3, if Vmax (V)/p (μ m)=4, then can form stable hot spot under the condition arbitrarily, therefore, when four kinds of conditions using Vmax (V)/p (μ m)=4, the transfer amount of research toner obtains result shown in Figure 6 during to development slit (d (μ the m)) dependence of substrate B.The longitudinal axis in the chart of Fig. 6 is represented the optical concentration recruitment on the top layer 3 of substrate B, toner fully attached to the state on the top layer 3 under, the optical concentration recruitment is 0.In with chart, contain the optical concentration recruitment greater than 0 result, this is owing to be attached to a part of toner of the toner layer 9 on the resin bed 8 of substrate A and be subjected to substrate B and go up the electric field effects that forms, and transfers to from toner layer 9 on the top layer 3 of substrate B.When producing such transfer, in the development that overlaps, the toner that is formed at the toner layer on the latent image carrier (for example photoreceptor) during previous development is transferred in the developing apparatus of follow-up look when follow-up development, causes colour mixture.In addition, the image disorder on the latent image carrier that obtains in the previous development.What can avoid such colour mixture or image disorder is that the optical concentration recruitment is 0 condition in chart.And by same chart, so as can be known condition is littler than development slit d apart from p between spacing, i.e. p＜d.

This can consider that the influence that is formed at the electric field shielding on the toner carrier (substrate B) can not involve the electrostatic latent image electric field on the latent image carrier (substrate A) and the condition of toner image.On the basis of such condition, not only can not have mussily isolated point to for example 1200dpi or 2400dpi etc. and carry out correct development, as mentioned above, and during the such a image making technology of the toner overlay chart on utilizing latent image carrier (substrate A), the toner image that is formed at earlier on the latent image carrier can be not disorderly yet, and can not cause the toner colour mixture in the developing apparatus yet, thereby can realize the very toner superimposed images of high image quality.

But at present, the developing apparatus that is used for image processing systems such as duplicating machine, printer, facsimile recorder has a binary visualization way and a composition visualization way etc.The binary visualization way is very suitable for rapid development, is that present middling speed and high speed image form the main flow mode in the device.In this 2 composition visualization way, for obtaining high image quality, and need make the state of developer of on the latent image carrier and contact site electrostatic latent image very fine and close.Therefore, the miniaturization of carrier particle at present develops, at the carrier that also begins on the commercial degree about commercial 30 μ m.

One composition visualization way is because therefore its mechanical small-sized light weight, is that present low speed image forms the main flow mode in the device.In this composition visualization way, do not make the surface of developer carriers such as developer roll carry the toner jump of holding and be used for development.Specifically, for forming toner thin layer on developer roll, and make the toner butt on toner limiting parts such as blade or roller and the developer roll, at this moment, the friction by developer roll or toner limiting part and toner makes toner charged.The charged toner layer that thin layer forms on developer roll is transported to development section, and the electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier is developed.Composition visualization way here is divided into contact and contactless two big classes, and the former is the mode that developer roll contacts with latent image carrier, and the latter is the non-contacting mode of developer roll and latent image carrier.

In order to make the shortcoming of an above-mentioned binary visualization way and a composition visualization way up, open method of putting down in writing in the flat 3-100575 communique etc. as the spy, several merging modes with a binary visualization way and a composition visualization way mergingization have been proposed.

Method as the small even point with high-resolution develops for example has the spy to open the mode of putting down in writing in the flat 3-113474 communique.This mode by the lead that development section has been applied high frequency bias is set, is carried out the toner cloudization of development section with respect to above-mentioned merging mode, realizes the some development of high-resolution.

In addition, open in the flat 3-21967 communique (Patent Document 1) the spy and to have proposed, for forming most effective and stable toner cloud, and on the rotation roller, form the method for electric field shielding.

Also have, open to record in the 2003-15419 communique the spy and use the electric field shielding that obtains by row ripple electric field to transport the developing apparatus of developer.In addition, the spy opens to record in the flat 9-269661 communique one deck carrier roughly roughly is adsorbed on the developing apparatus with a plurality of magnetic poles on the developer roll side face equably.In addition, open the spy and to record following such developing apparatus in the 2003-84560 communique, by insulation division periodic conductive electrode pattern is set carrying the developer carrier surface hold nonmagnetic toner, by giving the bias potential of this electrode regulation, produce electric-force gradient at the developer carrier near surface, transport on above-mentioned developer carrier thereby above-mentioned nonmagnetic toner adhered to.

In existing binary visualization way, the requirement of high image qualityization is improved day by day, the pixel size itself that needs need be identical or littler than it with existing carrier particle diameter, therefore, on the intention of the repeatability of isolated point, more needs to reduce carrier particle.But, when reducing the carrier diameter, the magnetoconductivity of carrier particle reduces, therefore, be easy to generate the situation that carrier breaks away from from developer roll, the carrier particle that has broken away from attached to latent image carrier on the time, not only produce carrier and adhere to the image deflects that itself cause, and be that starting point produces various spinoffs such as damage latent image carrier with it.

For preventing that this carrier breaks away from, and carried out improving from the material aspect carrier particle magnetoconductivity trial or strengthen the trial of magnetic force of the magnet of developer roll Nei Neibao, but having both aspect cost degradation and the high image qualityization, exploitation is extremely difficult.In addition, be subjected to the influence of miniaturization, developer roll is also explored miniaturization gradually, and therefore, the design that can suppress the developer roll of the powerful magnetic field formation of having of carrier disengaging fully is difficult.

At first, the binary visualization way is smeared the head of the two-component developer that is called as Magnetic brush to electrostatic latent image and is formed the technology of toner image, therefore, regardless of the unevenness of head, all is easy to produce color spot aspect the development of isolated point.By between developer roll and latent image carrier, forming alternating electric field, can improve image quality, but be difficult to eliminate fully the so basic image color spot of color spot of the head of developer.

Also have, remain in the operation of the toner on the latent image carrier after the operation of the toner image that on the transfer printing latent image carrier, develops and the removing transfer printing, be raising transfer efficiency or cleaning efficiency, and the non-electrostatic adhesive force of latent image carrier and toner is reduced significantly.Method as the non-electrostatic adhesive force that reduces latent image carrier and toner, it is effectively that known friction factor with the latent image carrier surface reduces, but in this case, because the head of two-component developer pushes through development section slidably, therefore, development efficient and some repeatability are very bad.

In a composition visualization way, fully be crimped on the developer roll by the toner layer on the developer roll after the toner limiting part thin layerization, therefore, toner is very bad to the response of the electric field of development section.Therefore, being generally and obtaining high image quality, is main flow and form powerful alternating electric field between developer roll and latent image carrier, even but form this alternating electric field, also be difficult to make a certain amount of toner that electrostatic latent image is stably developed, and the tiny dots of the high-resolution that is difficult to develop equably.Also have, this composition visualization way since when the developer roll thin layer is formed to the very large stress of toner effect, therefore, the deterioration of round-robin toner unusual morning in developing apparatus.Along with the deterioration of toner, in the operation that toner forms the developer roll thin layer, also be easy to generate color spot etc., a composition visualization way usually can not be towards high speed and high durable image processing system.

In mergingization mode (spy opens flat 3-100575 communique), the size of developing apparatus itself or number of components increase, but have overcome several problems.But, also exist and the identical problem of a composition visualization way at development section, that is, and the small uniform point of the high-resolution that is difficult to develop.

Though the mode of putting down in writing in the Te Kaiping 3-113474 communique has been considered and can have been realized high stable and images with high image quality, the formation complexity of device.

In addition, can to be interpreted as obtaining the development of small-sized and high image quality be very good to the method for record in the Te Kaiping 3-21967 communique (Patent Document 1), but the present inventor painstakingly studies, it found that, for obtaining desirable high image quality, conditions such as electric field shielding that necessary restriction forms and development.That is, when carrying out image making, not only can not obtain whole effects, and rough image quality is provided on the contrary with the condition beyond the suitable condition.In addition, this mode is to move the toner that will jump on the toner carrier by the surface of toner carrier to be transported to developing regional, but, for toner carrier surface is moved, and the spy who only moving of obtaining by jump is transported to developing regional with toner to open the mode of putting down in writing in the 2002-341656 communique also be identical.

Also have, form first toner image on latent image carrier, and order forming in the image making technology of second toner image, the 3rd toner image thereon, is not make earlier the disorderly such visualization way of the toner image that is formed on the latent image carrier certainly.By using the toner cloud visualization way of putting down in writing in noncontact one composition visualization way or the 3-113474 communique, can on latent image carrier, order form each colour toners, but because any way all can form alternating electric field between latent image carrier and developer roll, therefore, the part of toner can enter developing apparatus from the first toner image disengaging that forms on the latent image carrier.Thus, the not only image disorder on the latent image carrier, and can produce the problem of the toner colour mixture in the developing apparatus.This is fatal to obtaining high resolution image, as the method that addresses this problem, does not need to realize that cloud develops in the method for formation alternating electric field between latent image carrier and developer roll.

As the method that can realize that this cloud develops, consider that the spy enumerate earlier opens flat 3-21967 communique (Patent Document 1) or the special mode put down in writing in the 2002-341656 communique etc. opened is effective, but the situation relevant with it is also as previously discussed, in the time can not utilizing on the basis of suitable condition, there is not effect fully.Specifically, when condition is inappropriate, can not make the toner cloudization.And then even make the toner cloudization, in overlapping development, the toner in the toner on the latent image carrier that obtains in the previous development also can move in the developing apparatus of follow-up look, causes the disorder and the colour mixture of image.

Therefore, in the image processing system of present embodiment,, possess Vmax (V)/p (μ m) in view of above-mentioned experimental result〉1 such condition.In such formation, can make toner cloudization reliably.Therefore,, can realize the image quality higher than prior art according to present embodiment, and further miniaturization.

In addition, open the mode put down in writing in the 2002-341656 communique etc. as the spy, consider, and transport in the method that toner develops by the mutual electric field static more than the three-phase at Mechanical Driven toner carrier not, owing to possess above-mentioned condition, thereby also can make toner cloudization reliably.But, according to as can be known, will all can not carry out toner that static transports any opportunity, thereby toner being deposited in and transporting on the substrate as starting point with the method for putting down in writing in the communique, there is the problem that can not realize function in its result.For solving such problem, for example specially open the mode of putting down in writing in the 2004-286837 communique, also proposed fixedly to transport substrate and the such structure of combination of the toner carrier that moves on its surface, but its mechanism complexity extremely.To this, as this image processing system, on one side toner is moved repeatedly between electrode by jump, by the surface of toner carrier move it transported to the mode of developing regional on one side, the complicated of the accumulation of toner as described above or structure can be avoided.

Fig. 7 represents the typical example of the toner carrier of the embodiment of the invention.This toner carrier 31 forms the rotation roll shape, in the spacing arrangement of moving direction, can be the electrode axis 40A that brings together of odd number electrode group with electrode aggregate and be that the electrode axis 40B that even number electrode group is brought together is the turning axle rotation the electrode aggregate of even number with the odd number of a plurality of electrodes 41,42 of space periodicity configuration, electrode pattern that 43... constitutes with p (μ m).On these electrode axis 40A, 40B, apply alternating voltage as bias potential from AC power by not shown electrode brush etc.

This alternating voltage as shown in figure 15, by to apply on the electrode axis (40A) that above-mentioned odd number electrode group is brought together the wavy A of rectangle to pulse voltage with to the electrode axis (40B) that even number electrode group is brought together on the wavy B of the rectangle that applies mutually pulse voltage constitute.These A phase pulse voltages, B phase pulse voltage constitute different antiphase mutually as shown in the figure, and the average potential of time per unit (center of amplitude) is identical mutually.This average potential is equivalent to the development bias voltage of a composition visualization way and binary visualization way.In such two-phase pulse voltage, make the first half, latter half of one-period T all between odd number electrode (lateral electrode of electrode pair) and even number electrode (the opposite side electrode of electrode pair), produce the identical potential difference (PD) of amplitude (Vpp) with pulse voltage.Thus, compare with half the mode that applies of Figure 16 of potential difference (PD) that only produces amplitude, the pulse voltage by littler amplitude (Vpp) produces desirable potential difference (PD) between two electrodes.Therefore, compared with prior art, can suppress the generation of scum.

Also have, the example of the pulse voltage of antiphase is illustrated to applying each other respectively at odd number electrode and even number electrode, but may not be entirely antiphase.Even the side-play amount of phase place is below the semiperiod, when being the center that is displaced to the amplitude (Vpp) than pulse voltage by the current potential of side of the positive electrode, the electrode that also can make opposite side is to be displaced to than the current potential of center by negative side at the electrode of a side.But,, also be the most effective therefore if the antiphase of being entirely then makes interelectrode potential difference (PD) the longest for the time of the value identical with amplitude.

Above-mentioned toner carrier 31 is shown in Fig. 8 (a), on cylinder 51, axis hole 52 is set as the acrylic resin of insulator, shown in Fig. 8 (b), in electrode axis 40A, 40B with stainless steel are pressed into the axis hole 52 of cylinder 51, electrode axis 40A, 40B and odd number electrode group 41,43..., even number electrode group 42... are linked respectively.Secondly, in each operation shown in Fig. 9 (a)～(e), form pattern electrode.Fig. 9 sees that along the direction of turning axle toner carries the figure on the surface of holding roller 31.In the operation of Fig. 9 (a), level and smooth by the surface working of carrying out the roller 51 that periphery turning will obtain by operation shown in Figure 8.In the operation shown in Fig. 9 (b), carry out the cutting of groove 53, the spacing that makes its groove is 100 (μ m), groove width is 50 (μ m).In the operation shown in Fig. 9 (c), the roller 51 of the groove cutting that carries out is implemented the plating of no electrolytic nickel 54, in the operation shown in Fig. 9 (d),, remove unwanted electrically conductive film with having implemented the periphery turning of the roller 31 of no electrolytic nickel 54 platings.At this constantly, the part mutually insulated of electrode 41,42,43... and groove 53 and forming.Afterwards, by coating silicon resinoid on roller 51, make the surface smoothing of roller 51, form sealer (about 5 (the μ m) of thickness, the about 10^10 of specific insulation (Ω cm)) 55 simultaneously, the making toner carries holds roller 31.Figure 10 represents toner is carried the state of holding after the roller 31 plane expansion.

This toner carries that to hold roller 31 identical with aforesaid substrate 4, forms thin toner layer on protective seam 55.And, with alternating voltage shown in Figure 15 is bias potential, when by never illustrated AC power such as electrode brushes electrode axis 40A, 40B being applied alternating voltage as bias potential, toner makes back and forth such motion (hot spot) of odd number electrode group 41,43... and even number electrode group 42....Absolute value in the difference of establishing the side of the positive electrode peak value that is applied to the alternating voltage between electrode 41,42, the 43... from AC power and negative side peak value is Vmax (V), and Vmax (V)/p (μ m)〉1 o'clock, hot spot begins activation, and Vmax (V)/p (μ m)＜3 o'clock, hot spot activated fully.In addition, toner carrier 31 is identical with aforesaid substrate 4, and the specific insulation on top layer 55 is fit in the scope of 10^9～10^12 (Ω cm), and top layer 55 is silicon resinoids.As mentioned above, the material on top layer 55 preferably gives the material of the normal electric charge of toner by rubbing with toner.For example preferably use the category of glass material, be used for the material of the carrier coating of two-component developer.P is set as less than development slit d, i.e. p＜d.

Figure 11 is the summary pie graph of the image processing system of expression embodiment.This image processing system is to have to have adopted above-mentioned toner to carry the image processing system of the developing apparatus of holding roller 31.The head of two-component developer and toner are carried hold roller 31 by common binary developer 56 and connect.Specifically, utilizing the magnetic sleeve 57 of the interior bag permanent magnet of dual developer 56 will be transported to toner with the two-component developer that the weight ratio of 7～8 (wt%) has been mixed the polyester toner of the magnetic carrier powder of particle diameter 50 (μ m) and particle diameter about 6 (μ m) carries and holds roller 31, so the part of toner is carried the direct current biasing potential transfer of holding between the roller 31 and is carried to toner and hold roller 31 by putting on magnetic sleeve 57 and toner.Transferring to toner carries the toner of holding roller 31 form hot spot on toner carrier 31, drive toner carrier 31 by not shown drive division rotation simultaneously, thus it is transported to subtend portion with latent image carrier 58 subtends, and the difference of current potential of carrying the average potential of holding roller 31 surfaces and latent image carrier 58 by toner is attached on the electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 58, this electrostatic latent image is developed, form toner image.Also have, between electrode axis 40A, 40B, apply alternating voltage from AC power 59, formation time potential difference (PD) periodically between odd number electrode group 41,43... and even number electrode group 42... as bias potential by electrode brush etc.

There is not the unwanted toner of help to return magnetic sleeve 57 once more to developing from development section.Owing to be formed with hot spot, therefore, it is very low that toner carries the adhesion of holding roller 31 with respect to toner, carries by toner and hold toner that roller 31 returns from development section and can be at an easy rate be scraped or fine grinding by the head with the two-component developer of magnetic sleeve 57 rotations.By carrying out this operation repeatedly, carry to hold at toner and form always roughly a certain amount of toner hot spot on the roller 31.Binary developer 56 stirs the two-component developer in the container 60 63 and transports and make its circulation, and magnetic sleeve 57 is transported to toner with the part of this two-component developer and carries and hold roller 31, and returning from development section does not simultaneously have the unwanted toner of help to developing.

Below to the Organophotoreceptor of used thickness 13 (μ m) as latent image carrier 58, and the situation of utilizing the laser writing system of 1200dpi to form latent image describes.Photoreceptor 58 is driven by not shown drive division rotation, makes its uniform charged by Charging system, and exposes by the laser writing system as exposure device, forms electrostatic latent image.In this case, be-300～-500 (V) at the charged current potential of photoreceptor 58, and the current potential that writes of portion is to form electrostatic latent image under the such condition of-0～-50 (V) on the spot.

This electrostatic latent image by forming the toner development of hot spot, constitutes toner image on toner carrier 31.At this moment, use carried charge to be about-22 (μ C/g), the toner of particle diameter 6 (μ m), impose a condition, make do not have scum, on the spot portion imbed also good and can reproduce 1200dpi a bit, thereby the slit of toner carrier 31 and photoreceptor 58 is about 500 (μ m), by the odd number electrode group of toner carrier 31 and even number electrode group are realized that from the AC bias that AC power 59 applies-200 (V) peak value has the average potential of each moment of-400 (V) and 0 (V) respectively with the frequency of 5 (KHz).(the AC bias phase place of odd number electrode group and even number electrode group is antiphase each other)

Toner image on the toner carrier 31 is transferred to by transfer device on the recording mediums of giving from paper feeding device such as recording chart, and this recording medium is discharged to the outside by fixing device fusing toner image with it.

Hold roller 31 and upload when holding superfluous toner when carrying at toner, electric field shielding is shielded by toner charge, and can not produce hot spot, therefore, from power supply magnetic sleeve 57 and toner are carried and to hold the Dc bias that applies about 200 (V) between the roller 31, make and carry that to be held in the toning dosage that toner carries the per unit area of holding on the roller 31 be 0.2 (mg/cm^2).By the way, owing to have the effect that hot spot makes the toner diffusion, therefore, even carrying the transfer of holding roller 31 from magnetic sleeve 57 to toner, toner have error also no problem slightly, carry at magnetic sleeve 57 and toner and to hold between the roller 31, the such operation of overlapping AC bias voltage is not necessary especially on above-mentioned Dc bias, has again, and operation neither be necessary especially very uniformly to make the head of two-component developer.

On the other hand, because the toning dosage that needs as the image on the spot on the photoreceptor 58 is 0.4 (mg/cm^2), therefore, toner carries the translational speed of holding roller 31 need be more than 2 times of translational speed of photoreceptor 58, the feasible toner exhaustion that can not produce development section, at this, the translational speed of establishing photoreceptor 58 is 2.5 times.The moving direction that toner carries the moving direction of holding roller 31 and photoreceptor 58 as shown in figure 11 both can be in the same way, also can be for oppositely.Magnetic sleeve 57 and toner carry the moving direction of holding roller 31 gets effect in order to obtain returning scraping of toner, and as shown in figure 11, in the other direction preferred.

According to above system, on the basis of the linear speed 300 (mm/s) of photoreceptor 58, confirmed to realize the development of the high image quality of the no scum that repeatability that burying property, 1200dpi on the spot order is good.

In the image processing system of present embodiment, as toner, mother metal resin (major component of toner) is made of polyester or styrene acrylic, and uses the structure of normal band electric polarity as negative polarity (negative polarity).And, the uniform charged portion of latent image carrier 58 (plain ground portion) and latent image portion all are made as regular charged fundamental mode same polarity (being negative polarity in this example) with toner, and carry out making the so-called discharged-area development of potential decay to the latent image portion selectivity adhering toner that is lower than element ground portion.

The tubular toner carrier roller 31 of Figure 11 as before shown in Figure 1 has glass substrate 1, a plurality of electrode (21,22...), covers the protective seam 3 as surface protection film of these electrodes.This protective seam 3 is, follows the friction with the toner that jumps on toner carrier roller 31 surfaces as toner carrier, promotes the structure of toner to the material formation of the frictional electrification amount of normal band electric polarity (be negative side in this example).That is, toner preferably is located on the frictional electrification series and leans on negative side than protective seam 3.As the material of the protective seam 3 that can realize this relation, but organic materials such as example silicon, nylon, melmac, acryl resin, PVA, urethane.In addition, also can be quaternary ammonium base or nigrosine class dyestuff etc.In addition, also can be metal materials such as Ti, Sn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Mg, Al.Can also be TO ₂, SnO ₂, Fe ₂O ₃, Fe ₃O ₄, CuO, Cr ₂O ₃, NiO, ZnO, MgO, Al ₂O ₃Etc. inorganic material.And then also can be with the material of the two or more mixing of the material of example so far.

In this image processing system that possesses this protective seam 3, follow sliding friction as protective seam 3 (sealer) with the toner that jumps of the toner carrier roller 31 of toner carrier, promote the frictional electrification of toner to normal band electric polarity side.And, avoid following toner with the sliding friction of protective seam 3 to the frictional electrification of the electropolar opposite polarity side of normal band.Thus, the reduction of the carried charge (normal band electric polarity) of the toner by following jump always can suppress the generation of the bad poor visualization that causes of jump of toner.

In addition, also can use the material of normal band electric polarity as toner as positive polarity (positive polarity).In this case, as protective seam 3, as long as use by following sliding friction with toner to promote the material that toner constitutes to the material of the frictional electrification of positive polarity side.

The charged series of toner is meant, has added the charged series as toner integral body of external additives such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide in toner mother metal resin (particle).The sequence of charged series can followingly be studied.That is, make toner on the sealer with the sealer sliding friction stipulated time after, attract and extract this toner.Then, measure the carried charge of the toner that extracts with electrometer.If this measurement result is represented toner increase to the carried charge of negative polarity, then toner becomes the charged series of specific surface protective seam by negative side.In addition, increase to the carried charge of positive polarity if measurement result is represented toner, then toner becomes the charged series of specific surface protective seam by side of the positive electrode.

Figure 12 represents other embodiments of the invention.In this embodiment, in the embodiment shown in fig. 11, developer 56 is for omitting magnetic sleeve 57 formation of having simplified, and the cascade development phenomenon by two-component developer is held roller 31 and carried out toner supply carrying.Developer 56 is owing to utilize simple level to be associated in toner to carry to hold and form thin toner layer on the roller 31, therefore, compare with embodiment shown in Figure 11, it is low that it carries the toner transfer amount of holding roller 31 to toner, but carry the rotational speed of holding roller 31 by improving toner, can realize developing powder photoreceptor 58 with this amount.Carry by the binary developer 56 of the magnetic sleeve 57 that has omitted embodiment shown in Figure 12 and toner and to hold in fact measure-alike with existing binary developer of developing apparatus that roller 31 constitutes, therefore, embodiment shown in Figure 12 can constitute images with high image quality and makes engine with small-sized.

Therefore, according to present embodiment as can be known, compared with prior art, can realize high image quality, and can be more small-sized.

Figure 13 represents other embodiments of the invention.This embodiment in the embodiment shown in fig. 12, use a composition developer 64 that only has toner to replace binary developer 56, this composition developer 64 carries with respect to toner to be held roller 31 and makes toner displacement, carries to hold at toner to form thin toner layer on the roller 31.In this case, one composition developer 64 utilizes the toner 66 in circulation fan 67 stirred vessels 65 and makes its circulation, simultaneously it being supplied to toner carries and holds roller 31, by metering blade 68 toner is carried the toner of holding on the roller 31 and be limited in certain thickness, constitute thin toner layer as the toner limiting part.

Carry to toner on the intention of stability of the toner supply of holding roller 31, the part of deterioration is a little also arranged among embodiment shown in Figure 11 and the embodiment shown in Figure 12, but this however the obstruction condition then also is soluble problem, most importantly the developing apparatus of very small-sized light weight and high image quality can be provided.

Therefore, according to present embodiment as can be known, compared with prior art, can realize high image quality, and can be more small-sized.

Figure 14 represents other embodiments of the invention.This embodiment utilization is held the identical developing apparatus of developing apparatus that roller 31 constitutes and is constituted with being carried by the binary developer 56 of embodiment shown in Figure 11 and toner, is the example that overlaps to form the image processing system of toner image of all kinds on photoreceptor.In this embodiment, hang on two not shown rollers, drive by not shown drive division rotation as the Organophotoreceptor 69 of the band shape of photoreceptor.

Be arranged with image creation device 70K, 70Y, 70C, the 70M of a plurality of image processing systems of conduct that form polychrome, for example black, yellow, dark green, pinkish red image respectively in the left side of photoreceptor 69.Photoreceptor 69 at first passes through Charging system 71K uniform charged in image creation device 70K, utilize not shown writing station as exposure device, by exposing by the tuning light beam 72K of black image data, form electrostatic latent image thus, and this electrostatic latent image develops by carrying the developing apparatus 73K that holds the identical formation of developing apparatus that roller 31 constitutes with the binary developer 56 of embodiment shown in Figure 11 and toner, constitutes black toner image.Afterwards, photoreceptor 69 removes electricity by removing electrical equipment 74K, forms in order to next image.

Secondly, photoreceptor 69 passes through Charging system 71Y uniform charged in image creation device 70Y, utilize not shown writing station as exposure device, by light beam 72Y exposure by the yellow image data reconciliation, form electrostatic latent image thus, and this electrostatic latent image develops by carrying the developing apparatus 73Y that holds the identical formation of developing apparatus that roller 31 constitutes with the binary developer 56 of above-mentioned embodiment shown in Figure 11 and toner, constitutes and the overlapping yellow toner image of above-mentioned black toner image.Afterwards, photoreceptor 69 removes electricity by removing electrical equipment 74Y, forms in order to next image.

Secondly, photoreceptor 69 passes through Charging system 71C uniform charged in image creation device 70C, utilize not shown writing station as exposure device, by exposing by the tuning light beam 72C of dark green view data, form electrostatic latent image thus, and this electrostatic latent image develops by carrying the developing apparatus 73C that holds the identical formation of developing apparatus that roller 31 constitutes with the binary developer 56 of above-mentioned embodiment shown in Figure 11 and toner, constitutes and above-mentioned black toner image and the overlapping dark green toner image of above-mentioned yellow toner image.Afterwards, photoreceptor 69 removes electricity by removing electrical equipment 74C, forms in order to next image.

Secondly, photoreceptor 69 passes through Charging system 71M uniform charged in image creation device 70M, utilize not shown writing station as exposure device, by exposing by the tuning light beam 72M of pinkish red view data, form electrostatic latent image thus, and this electrostatic latent image develops by carrying the developing apparatus 73M that holds the identical formation of developing apparatus that roller 31 constitutes with the binary developer 56 of above-mentioned embodiment shown in Figure 11 and toner, constitute and above-mentioned black toner image, above-mentioned yellow toner image, and the overlapping pinkish red toner image of above-mentioned dark green toner image, form full-color image thus.

On the other hand, never illustrated paper feeding device is sent recording mediums such as recording chart, this recording medium by apply from power supply transfer bias as the full-color image on the transfer roll 75 transfer printing photoreceptors 69 of transfer device.Transfer printing the recording medium of full-color image by fixing device 76 with the full-color image photographic fixing, discharge to the outside.Photoreceptor 69 is removed residual toner etc. by the descaler 77 as cleaning device behind the transfer printing full-color image.

Also have, developing apparatus 73K, 73Y, 73C, 73M also can use being carried by binary developer 56 and toner of Figure 12 to hold developing apparatus or being carried by a composition developer 64 and toner of Figure 13 that roller 31 constitutes and hold the developing apparatus that roller 31 constitutes.

In this embodiment, owing on same photoreceptor 69, carry out writing of four colo(u)r specifications, therefore, compare with four common series systems, can produce position deviation hardly on the principle, can be overlapping at the enterprising circumstances in which people get things ready for a trip coloured silk of photoreceptor, obtain not having the full-color image of the high image quality of dislocation.

In addition, in image processing system shown in Figure 14, in view of above-mentioned experimental result, at Vmax (V)/p (μ m)〉on the basis of 1 such condition, also possess p (μ m)＜such condition of d (μ m).In such formation, as mentioned above, to the toner image not influence fully that once forms on photoreceptor 69, and the toner layer of the first circumstances in which people get things ready for a trip that form on the photoreceptor 69 also can not be transferred in the developing apparatus of follow-up look.Therefore, do not have problems such as disorder (ス キ ャ ベ Application ジ) or colour mixture fully, can carry out the images with high image quality manufacture craft steadily in the long term.

Claims (8)

1, a kind of developing apparatus, it possesses movably toner carrier of surface, this toner carrier possesses the electrode pattern with a plurality of electrodes of arranging in the state lower edge of mutually insulated prescribed direction, by being that the electrode aggregate of the odd number of starting point is that the aggregate of odd number electrode group and even number electrode is to produce potential difference (PD) between the even number electrode group at regulation electrode with described a plurality of electrodes, the lip-deep toner of described toner carrier is moved between electrode, move on one side it is transported to position with the latent image carrier subtend by the surface of described toner carrier, make it attached on the latent image on the described latent image carrier, it is characterized in that

By odd number electrode and even number electrode are applied the mutually different pulse voltage of phase place, the lip-deep toner of described toner carrier is moved between two electrodes;

In the spacing of establishing described odd number electrode and described even number electrode is p, and when the distance of described toner carrier and latent image carrier was d, the relation of p＜d was set up, and wherein, the unit of p, d all is μ m.

2, developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, as the mutually different described pulse voltage of phase place, adopts the pulse voltage of antiphase each other.

3, developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that, in the maximal value of being represented described potential difference (PD) by Vmax, when representing the spacing of described odd number electrode and described even number electrode, Vmax/p by p〉1 relation sets up, wherein, the unit of Vmax is V, and the unit of p is μ m.

4, developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, described toner has positive or negative normal band electric polarity, and the surface of described toner carrier is by the material covering that can give the electropolar electric charge of this normal band in rubbing with described toner to described toner.

5, developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described toner carrier links described odd number electrode group for the rotation roll shape in turning axle one side of this toner carrier, links described even number electrode group at the opposite side of described turning axle.

6, developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, has the device that forms charged toner layer on described toner carrier.

7, a kind of image processing system is characterized in that, has each described developing apparatus in the claim 1～6.

8, a kind of image processing system is characterized in that, has each described developing apparatus in the claim 1～6, overlaps to form two or more toner images by this developing apparatus on latent image carrier.

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