CN1126997C - Devetoping unit and developing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a developing unit and a developing method thereof. The developing unit comprises a shell and a mesh belt hermetically stretched between a first roller and a second roller, wherein the belt passes between a pair of frictional plates which can make carbon powder particles carried on the mesh belt rubbed for generating electricity; the charge is generated on the large width of the whole mesh belt and the frictional plates; carbon powder on the surface of the mesh belt is transmitted to a developing roller, and is transmitted to the surface of an optical conductor. The configuration of the developing unit reduces the load of electric operation in matching friction. A belt transmitting system reduces the volume of the developing unit.

Description

Developing cell and developing method

The invention relates to color photoelectric image forming device, in detail, the invention relates to developing cell and developing method that the color photoelectric image forming device of polychrome imaging can be provided with the one-way trip development.

Most of computer system (particularly little or " individual " computer system) is nearly all adopting colour aspect the information demonstration, the increase that the colour of PC uses has reflected color monitor and microprocessor at a low price faster.But on paper, plastic cement (material) or other material, provide the technology of printing color output not catch up with colored information technique for displaying.At present, colored output is not that bad is too expensive.The example of this traditional colored export technique comprises some different measure of inkjet printing (no matter using liquid state or solid ink) and color photoelectric imaging printing.Inkjet printing is quite cheap, is so at least when using liquid ink, but is difficult to obtain high-quality output.

The color photoelectric imaging is printed expensive and slow.For example, to print be that a plurality of optical conductors exposures and a plurality of developing process are in order to produce the method for multicolour image on paper to the imaging of multiple-pass color photoelectric.In essence, traditional multiple-pass color photoelectric imaging is printed by a plurality of monochromatic photoelectronic imaging print procedure that uses different colours and is formed.Monochromatic (black and white) photoelectronic imaging of tradition is printed by using laser or suitable high-intensity light source to make optical conductor exposure, imaging on the optical activity surface of optical conductor.Before the exposure, electric charge is evenly distributed on the optical conductor surface, after the exposure, is present on the optical conductor surface corresponding to the electric charge pattern of the exposed image that will print.Sub-image corresponding to the lip-deep electric charge pattern of optical conductor converts actual image to by developer, and developer makes charged carbon powder particles be attached to electric charge pattern on the optical conductor.The carbon dust image uses electrostatic transfer to handle and is needed on paper, then the carbon dust image is fixed on the paper.In multiple-pass color laser printer or other the similar electric imaging device, this print procedure repeats for several times.

Fig. 1 shows traditional multiple-pass color photoelectric image forming device, is assumed to be laser printer in order to discuss convenient.The multiple-pass laser printer of Fig. 1 comprises: photosensitive drums 10, make at the charger 14 that produces even CHARGE DISTRIBUTION on the surface of photosensitive drums 10, with optical image the photosensitive drum surface exposure laser (radium-shine) bundle scanning element 16, contain a plurality of monochromatic developing cell 22,24,26,28 that makes image development developing apparatus 20, apply the transcription charger 30 of transcription electric field, image be fixed on such as the fuser 40 on the recording medium 32 of paper.Photosensitive drums 10 normally is called the metal cylinder that the optically active material 12 of optical conductor is covered.Optical conductor is high-insulation in the dark usually, and under irradiation highly conductive.Therefore, optical conductor 12 can keep electric charge in the dark on the surface, but the discharge when irradiation of the lip-deep electric charge of optical conductor.

In the operation, evenly electric charge begins to impose on the surface of optical conductor 12 at each stroke of multiple-pass print procedure.Finish the charging on optical conductor surface with charger 14, use corona charging or similar techniques usually so that the surface of electric charge to optical conductor 12 to be provided.After the charging operation, optical conductor 12 has from the teeth outwards corresponding to ± 600～± the even CHARGE DISTRIBUTION of 800V voltage.When optical conductor 12 is exposed by laser beam flying unit 16, according to the image modulation pattern that the controller (not shown) is produced, the specific region of the laser beam 18 irradiates light conductors 12 that scanning element 16 is sent.That voltage on the part of the optical conductor 12 that laser beam 18 is shone discharges into is about 0～± 150V.

On the surface of optical conductor 12, form continuously continuous monochromatic image and reach the multiple-pass color laser printing, thus when all monochromatic images on optical conductor 12 in conjunction with the time, in conjunction with image acceptable chromatic image is provided.The imaging of typical case's multiple-pass color photoelectric is printed strategy and is used four development strokes, and each continuous operation imposes on optical conductor corresponding to the monochromatic image composition of difference with the different optical image.With the developer that has for the monochromatic appropriate color carbon dust partly of this image each continuous image is developed.For carrying out this strategy, four different developing cell 22-28 as Fig. 1 must be provided, apply the carbon dust of different colours at each stroke of four strokes.Therefore, correspond respectively to the printer of four developing cell 22-28 supply Fig. 1 of Huang (Y) carbon dust, purplish red (M) carbon dust, ultramarine (C) carbon dust, black (K) carbon dust.Therefore, the image of regeneration is made up of to reach various gray scales a plurality of colors of varied concentration.

In first stroke of the multi-color printing process of Fig. 1, laser beam flying unit 16 makes the optical conductor face exposure with the laser beam 18 of modulation, produces the first sub-image composition corresponding to the first monochromatic composition of the image that will print.After optical conductor 12 is with the exposure of the first sub-image composition, use first developing cell 22 that first composition of pattern image is developed, as following, the optical conductor surface is provided the carbon dust of first color.After the first monochromatic composition of the chromatic image that will print is given the optical conductor surface, carry out second stroke so that the second monochromatic composition of the chromatic image that will print to be provided.Optical conductor 12 is charged so that new even CHARGE DISTRIBUTION to be provided.Laser beam flying unit 16 scanning laser beam 18 on the optical conductor surface makes optical conductor 12 exposures with the second sub-image composition then.Second developing cell 24 applies the carbon dust of second color, and is attached to an optical conductor 12 and an overlapping carbon dust image with the pattern corresponding to the second sub-image composition.Use third and fourth developing cell 26 and 28, third and fourth composition to image repeats this process respectively, and four different overlapping monochromatic toner images are provided on optical conductor.Four look carbon dust images are needed on surface such as the recording medium 32 of paper at transfer printing charger 30 then, the carbon dust image in fuser 40 photographic fixing in recording medium 32.For finishing photographic fixing, recording medium 32 is by between the heated roller 42 and pressing roller 44 of forming fuser 40.Well heater such as halogen lamp is located at heated roller 42, cooperates 44 applied pressures of pressing roller, cylinder surface is heated to the predetermined high temperature that is enough to softening developer at least.High temperature between this two cylinder and pressure make carbon dust fusing and photographic fixing in recording medium 32, use and form chromatic image on recording medium.

For the four-stroke color laser printer of Fig. 1, need four developing processs with imaging.Because of the printer of Fig. 1 roughly needs four complete and separate printed processes with imaging, so that the printer of Fig. 1 is about four times of traditional monochromatic laser printer is slow.So, the colour imaging speed of Fig. 1 printer is too low.

Fig. 2 is the synoptic diagram that shows another traditional color photoelectric image forming device.The device of similar Fig. 1 of tandem color photoelectric image forming device of Fig. 2, the chromatic image of printing is set up in the different monochromatic print procedure that repeats.But to the device of Fig. 2, carry out four different print processing on four different drums 10, four drums have relevant cloth electrical equipment 14, laser beam flying unit 16, carry four not 22,24,26,28, four transfer printing chargers 30 of four developers of homochromy carbon dust.The operation of Fig. 2 device and Fig. 1 device are similar, and each composition that main difference is sub-image is formed on the different photosensitive drums by the special laser-light beam scans unit of Fig. 2 device.Form first chromatic image and be transferred to recording medium 32 again from first photosensitive drums 10, then second, third, the 4th chromatic image in regular turn from second, third, the 4th photosensitive drums transfer printing.As shown, the linearity of the admissible recording medium 32 of Fig. 2 structure is transported the path, makes the colored composition of image to transport operation and be transferred to recording medium 32 single.Thereafter, fuser 40 fixing four composition images of gained on recording medium 32.The advantage of Fig. 2 device be its regeneration rate far above Fig. 1 device, this be since four developing processs can carry out simultaneously.But the tandem color photoelectric image forming device of Fig. 2 still has unfavorable characteristic.Though Fig. 2 device is better than Fig. 1 device, because of need align recording medium with four drums at four continuous carbon dust transfer operations, so between the continuous image that is needed on paper or other recording medium, be difficult to obtain satisfied location.The more important thing is, because of a plurality of complete printing stations must be provided, so Fig. 2 device is too big and expensive.

Another color photoelectric image forming device is shown in Fig. 3.Shown color laser printer uses the one-way trip printing that four look compositions are provided, the laser printer of Fig. 3 comprises the photosensitive drums 10 with four printing stations, each station comprises charger 50-56, laser beam flying unit 58-64, developer 66-72, all around the photosensitive drums circumference.At first printing station, photosensitive drums 10 is recharged device 50 and is charged to initial even voltage, and photosensitive drums is exposed according to image first composition so that the first sub-image composition to be provided, and the first sub-image composition is developed device 66 developments and produces the first carbon dust pattern on photosensitive drum surface.Second printing station uses second charger 52 to repeat these processes, the even CHARGE DISTRIBUTION of regenerating that (comprises the part that the first carbon dust image is covered) on the surface of photosensitive drums 10.The second carbon dust image is created in the drum surface and goes up and the overlapping first carbon dust image.When the drum rotation was developed the station by third and fourth, the third and fourth look image composition was created on the surface of photosensitive drums 10.Then four look carbon dust images by transfer printing charger 30 be needed on recording medium 32, four look images in fuser 40 photographic fixing in recording medium 32.

The speed that the one-way trip color printer of Fig. 3 designs with the multiple-pass that is higher than Fig. 1 provides colored output.But in fact, because need the strict degree of accuracy that aligns to reach the location of the image that is produced at continuous printing station, so Fig. 3 device is difficult to reach required image location.For the different images composition to Fig. 3 design obtains acceptable location, must arrange four laser beam flying unit 58-64, make laser beam retouch out to be parallel to the lip-deep line of drum of bulging cylinder axis.Because aligning, this must accurately locate five objects in three push rod spaces, thus be difficult to reach acceptable aligning, thereby Fig. 3 device is unsuitable for volume production.Scan because of laser uses the high speed rotating polygonal mirror usually, and each minute surface independently rotates, improve so align the degree of difficulty of four laser beam paths.Therefore amplify the little variation of mirror position to the long path that the laser beam on drum surface is reviewed from direct reflection.

Another difficult problem of Fig. 3 device is that volume is big.Photosensitive drums 10 must be enough big, makes four printing stations and transcription cloth electrical equipment 30 can be located at periphery.Therefore, be difficult to make Fig. 3 device to be small enough to cooperate family and small office's operating environment.Referring to United States Patent (USP) 5541722 and No. 5557394, revise Fig. 3 design and will be located at as the light emitting diode matrix of exposing unit in the transparent photosensitive drums.Though this modification reduces size, need use cost and the neither suitable transparent drum of performance.In addition, because this two patent does not reduce the required space of developing cell (usually much larger than exposing unit), so feasibility is limited.

Therefore the improvement structure of photoelectronic imaging device to be provided, but the difference of high-performance and low-cost photo electric imaging system is considered to provide the developer that more lightly reaches superior performance, consider Fig. 4 be used for traditional developing cell that some photoelectronic imagings are handled.The developing cell of Fig. 4 comprises conductive drum, will carry the photosensitive drum surface that developer that the potpourri of pearl and plastic cement (material) or other carbon dust forms is delivered to the carrying sub-image by magnetic.Developing cell comprises cylinder, stirrer or other mechanism to stir developer.The developer that stirs is attached to cylinder surface, uses scraper to make the developer of predetermined thickness stay on the cylinder.When cylinder during, carbon dust frictional electricity to the photosensitive drums backward rotation, carbon dust and carry pearl is delivered to contiguous photosensitive drums from the container in the developing cell by cylinder position.From the DC power supply and or the development bias voltage of AC power supplies impose between photosensitive drums and the developing cell, form the electric field of developer being delivered to photosensitive drums from cylinder.

Fig. 4 shows traditional developing cell structure, wherein the developing roller 84 in frictional electricity blade 80 and supply roll 82 latch housings 86.Frictional electricity blade 80 is propped up the surface of developing roller 84 by spring device.Stirrer 88 is located in the container of the developer mixture that carries pearl and carbon dust 90.During development, carbon dust 90 is stirred device 88 and stirs, and is dispersed on the surface of supply roll 82 again.Then, the lip-deep carbon dust 90 of supply roll 82 is delivered to the surface of developing roller 84 by supply roll.Simultaneously, the powerful shearing between frictional electricity blade 80 and the developing roller 84 makes carbon dust 90 frictional electricitys.Subsequently, carbon dust 90 is transferred to the surface of photosensitive drums 10 by above-mentioned static mechanism selectivity, uses and reaches development.

In above-mentioned traditional developing cell, following problem is arranged:

The load that friction force caused between frictional electricity blade 80 and the developing roller 84 is big, and the fluctuation of this load is violent, causes the charging of carbon dust 90 to change.

It is little that pressure between frictional electricity blade 80 and the developing roller 84 is ground the district, makes the frictional electricity of carbon dust more unstable.

Carbon powder particles is caused the fog effect and reduces image quality by the crushing of the strong shearing force between frictional electricity blade 80 and the developing roller 84.

The container that stores carbon dust separates with other developing mechanism.Developing cell configuration complexity causes space waste and obsolete and remaining carbon dust to stay developing cell.

Therefore, developing cell will have smaller size smaller, promotes integration and improve performance, with the color photoelectric imaging printing equipment that produces high-performance, easily makes.

The purpose of this invention is to provide simple and exquisite developing cell with gain performance.

Another purpose of the present invention provides to be had quite low internal load and can smoothly and stablize the developing cell that the developing cell inclusions is charged.

The present invention's one purpose provides and can not apply improper shearing and in liberal supply harmless carbon dust to produce the developing method of high-quality image to carbon dust.

Preferred embodiment of the present invention provides conveying device in developing cell, mesh belt for example is with the carbon dust in the mobile developing cell.For this kind embodiment, make this belt or other belt conveyor between the opposition friction plate, deliver carbon dust, can reach the carbon dust charging.

A viewpoint of the present invention provides the developing cell that can be used for photoelectronic imaging, has the shell of the element of sealing developing cell, the opening that shell has carbon dust to pass through.First and second cylinders are located at shell, and belt extends on first and second cylinders, make strap lug around first and second cylinders, to respond the rotation of first and second cylinders.Belt can be carried carbon dust from the teeth outwards.The belt of the contiguous at least a portion of charging device, charging device gives electric charge through the carbon dust on its other belt, and output unit is delivered to shell aperture with carbon dust from belt surface.

Those skilled in the art scholar enumerates preferred embodiment of the present invention below in conjunction with accompanying drawing and further elaborates the present invention, so that can understand above-mentioned and other target of the present invention, characteristic, advantage.

Fig. 1: be the synoptic diagram that shows traditional multiple-pass color photoelectric image forming device;

Fig. 2: be the synoptic diagram that shows traditional tandem color photoelectric image forming device;

Fig. 3: be the synoptic diagram that shows traditional one-way trip color photoelectric image forming device;

Fig. 4: the traditional developing cell that shows the photoelectronic imaging device that can be used for Fig. 1～3;

Fig. 5: show color photoelectric image forming device of the present invention;

Fig. 6: show to be used to store to be used for one of the linear memory of data of modulation exposure mechanism;

Fig. 7: show another color photoelectric image forming device of the present invention;

Fig. 8～10: the different embodiment that show developing cell of the present invention.

Preferred embodiment is described in detail:

The invention provides in one-way trip and use the photoelectronic imaging device of simplifying configuration generation color photocopying output.On the one hand, the invention provides along the photo electric imaging system that has the optical conductor on plane to the small part path.Relevant laser beam flying unit or other exposing unit of location photo electric imaging system, make the light from each exposing unit make its light output be incident in the optical conductor planar portions perpendicular to all exposing units of optical conductor plane positioning, aligning of exposing unit only needs this unit of adjustment and makes output bundle parallel to each other.This is simple more than the one-way trip system of Fig. 3 to direct problem.When aligning the system of Fig. 3, must spend four distinct plane that (dimension) spaces accurately select four laser beam flying unit to be retouched out three, and locate this four planes with respect to periphery.Align photo electric imaging system of the present invention and only need locate four exposure mechanisms, make its output beam on the surface of optical conductor planar portions, retouch out parallel lines.System of the present invention aligns as solving two-dimensional problems, and the device of Fig. 3 align need more difficult three-dimensional problem answer.Being familiar with the exposing beam more than four that optics and the optical system person of aligning can cognitive make preferred embodiment of the present invention, to retouch out the collimating optics path simple more than aligning Fig. 3 system.In addition, the stability of this preferred embodiment is much larger than the legacy system as Fig. 3 device.Therefore, expect that preferred embodiment of the present invention is not only cheap, and preferable durability is arranged.

Several other viewpoints of the present invention cooperate the exposing unit of output collimated beam to reach the optical conductor with plane.Wherein a viewpoint is to use less developing cell.In the system of Fig. 3, developing cell because of its design so volume is big.Therefore, be difficult to revise the photosensitive drums of Fig. 3 device so that imageable plane to be provided; Developing cell is provided effectively and the design of simplifying, and preferred embodiment of the present invention is used for the plane configuration other assembly of optical conductor and print engine.In brief, preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used the developing cell of different configuration to the mesh belt that the carbon dust in the developing cell provides delivered inside to use.Use this carbon dust conveying mechanism also can select the developing cell shape so that the integration optimization of total system.Compared to more traditional many compositions developer, use single composition developer that developing cell is more simplified.If developer has only carbon dust and the no-load pearl, then can more effective use developer reservoir, allow that container is less, therefore allow that developing cell is less.

Another viewpoint of the present invention of using optical conductor to print the plane is to use the exposing unit of height aggregation.Exposing unit can comprise four polygonal mirrors, cooperates the axle of minute surface being installed and being used for rotating minute surface.Four polygonal mirrors form from a slice plastic cement.Therefore, when four laser were scanned by the exposing unit of this configuration, four scanning beams need align hardly just retouched out Siping City's parallel planes.In another configuration, exposing unit can comprise the hard framework that four led array are installed.Align led array, make the output of led array optics extend along parallel plane.The exposing unit of these and other configuration of the present invention helps the plane configuration of the print engine of preferred embodiment of the present invention.In addition, these exposing units are easy to make and make the manufacturing of overall optical electric imaging system cheap with system combination.

With reference to preferred embodiment and accompanying drawing these and other viewpoint of the present invention is discussed.The present invention is with many elements of selling on the market.These elements are not described in detail in detail herein, and more emphasize the characteristic of this photoelectronic imaging device.Four look laser printers hereinafter are described in detail in detail, but principle of the present invention can be used for other photo electric imaging system.For example, the color copy machine according to the scan-image that is divided into the not homochromy composition that deposits different memory in can be used for the present invention.In addition, the invention is not restricted to four looks.Embodiments of the invention just can add (or minimizing) printing station with simple modification.

Fig. 5 shows color photoelectric image forming device of the present invention.As shown, color photoelectric image forming device comprises flexible lightguide body 100, extends into endless belt for no reason around the cylinder group that comprises first cylinder 102 and second tin roller 104.Cylinder was opened abundant distance in 102,104 minutes, and the plane of a side that is defined in optical conductor 100 is even as big as allowing that various printing stations along printing the plane, are being provided with the stability that drag board can keep printing the plane between the cylinder on the optical conductor reverse side.The lateral attitude that places the more than one banking pin on the cylinder 102,104 to keep optical conductor 100, optical conductor 100 laterally moves when preventing to rotate.In the illustrated embodiment, drive to roll with at the continuous translation optical conductor of downward direction.Translation direction defines the element order of four printing stations.Printing station comprises the charger 106-112 of first element that is positioned at each printing station.Four developing cell 114-120 are between charger 106-112.Four laser beam scanners are supplied with four printing stations, and 122-128 forms by semiconductor laser, and emission of lasering beam 130-136 is by the gap between charger 106-112 and the corresponding developing cell 114-120 and arrive the printing plane of flexible photoreceptor 100.This photo electric imaging system also comprises traditional transfer printing charger 138 and traditional fuser 140, and fuser 140 comprises heated roller 142 and pressing roller 144.Charger, laser beam scanner, developing cell are formed four different printing stations, provide yellow (Y), purplish red (M), ultramarine (C), black (K) carbon dust image composition to give optical conductor in regular turn along turning to.

The preferred embodiment according to the present invention, flexible lightguide body 100 comprise the band shape flex substrate that plates organic photoconductor.The common highly conductive of belt substrate can be made up of with the plastic cement of metal film wire netting or plating, thereby substrate can be as the ground plane of optical conductor.When the belt substrate is formed by plastic cement, can select conductive plastic, as long as it provides required flexible.The belt conductive substrates plates the light-guide material such as amorphous semiconductor or organic photoconductor.Because organic photoconductor rich flexible and use for a long time die preferable.Optical conductor is roughly insulation preferably, thereby still stays on the surface the enough time with by printing station, as long as optical conductor keeps in the dark at the electric charge on optical conductor surface.Apply the wavelength of laser beam 122-128 and the light time of intensity, optical conductor will discharge at once.Organic photoconductor can be available from Eastman Kodak and Mitsubishi Chemical Ind.Certainly, can use other optical conductor with similar flexible and photoconductivity.

Each laser beam scanner cooperates a polygonal mirror and is used for the known focusing and the collimation optics of the semiconductor laser in the laser printer.Axle 158 central shafts that align by polygonal mirror 150-156 are driven by motor 160 and rotate polygonal mirror.If need higher speed, then rotate on the air bearing that axle can be known in the photoelectronic imaging field.Polygonal mirror 150-156 can each have square profile, and whole combination can be formed by a slice plastic cement.The simplest measure is that the mirror combination can be formed by the rectangular prism plastic cement piece with even square profile, and defines axial region between minute surface.Spray the coating minute surface and make it that reflectivity be arranged with aluminium then.The combination of gained mirror has four polygonal mirrors.In fact, the mirror combination can be formed by plastic rubber ejaculate molding, and then minute surface plates the metal film such as aluminium.This forming process can be reached with abundant degree of accuracy, guarantees that minute surface aligns and parallel in required tolerance.

Owing to print suitably the telescope direct combination with respect to optical conductor, that carries out each semiconductor laser 122-128 again quite simply focuses on and aligns operation, can reach to align, so use fixed mirror to make up or exposing unit helps aligning of Fig. 5 photo electric imaging system.Therefore, when the array from the row laser beam 130-136 of Siping City of laser beam scanner is rotated polygonal mirror 150-156 reflex time with pinpoint accuracy, can be on the surface of the vertical scan direction optical conductor 100 of the moving direction of optical conductor 100.

As described in background skill, each laser 122-128 receives modulation circuit, and, ultramarine yellow, purplish red to produce respectively, shadow are come modulated laser as the required information of composition.The modulation design of color laser printer on the market is enough to be used in native system, so do not add explanation in addition.Other direction helps the combination of Fig. 5 system and aligns some modification of known modulation scheme.Between each modulation pattern, change sequential according to the travelling speed of optical conductor 100, obtain Huang, purplish red, ultramarine, shadow as the perpendicular positioning between the composition.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the burned during fabrication non-volatility memorizer of delay (EPROM, EEPROM or flash memory) between the continuous look image composition, thereby can be with the experiment decision bits to each printer.Therefore, reach the initial of system to align, test then to judge aligning between the continuous look image composition.This test can be reached by the printing test pattern.The adjustment of relative delay makes the location optimization between the continuous look image composition, and optimized then delay deposits non-volatility memorizer in.By this strategy, between all four look image compositions, reach the degree of accuracy of half pixel (least bit).

Can make the horizontal location optimization in a similar manner.Be used for producing modulation signal and deposit linear memory in corresponding to each laser with the data that drives each laser 122-128.Four image compositions that different linear memories are supplied with each laser and will be produced, each linear memory such as Fig. 6 have pre-shift registor 170, line storage working storage 172, backward shift working storage 174.No matter the modulation data is the data word that deposits the unit data of shift registor in or deposit the shift registor array in, the linear memory of Fig. 6 is all suitable.Working storage array shown in the use, required modulation data can be at the storer shift to right or left, make modulation signal advance with respect to other linear memory or postpone.Therefore can adjust that each of image component of all kinds is horizontal advances or postpone, between all chromatic image compositions, obtain preferable horizontal location.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, adjust advancing relatively and postponing and deposit non-volatility memorizer in of each linear memory during fabrication, between not homochromy image composition, obtain horizontal location with half pixel degree of accuracy.

The imaging operation of Fig. 5 color photoelectric image forming device of the present invention carries out as follows.At first, cylinder 102 and 104 rotates with mobile flexible lightguide body 100, first charger 106 will-600 then～-800V voltage impose on optical conductor 100 printing plane exterior region (this embodiment for-700V).When the uniform charged of optical conductor 100 surface during by the gap between first charger 106 and first developing cell 114, with the live zone of first laser beam, the 130 bump optical conductors 100 of the information of first look image composition modulation, the information of the image that will print according to correspondence makes optical conductor 100 discharges.At this moment, be about-700V corresponding to the voltage on the optical conductor of sub-image blank portion (the not attached work of carbon dust), and corresponding to the voltage on the optical conductor of non-blank-white portion (the attached work of carbon dust) ± 150 and 0V between.Subsequently, when the live zone of carrying first sub-image during through first developing cell 114, the developer that contains yellow carbon dust is delivered to the powered surfaces of the optical conductor 100 of carrying sub-image by first developing cell 114, uses that yellow image composition is developed.Then, purplish red developer, ultramarine developer, black developer image are executed the optical conductor surface, and each color is used a succession of charging, discharge, the development operation as yellow in regular turn, makes four look carbon dust images be formed on the printing plane of optical conductor 100.Recording medium 162 (normally paper) is delivered to the space between cylinder 104 and the transfer printing charger 138.Lip-deep Y, the M of optical conductor 100, C, K carbon dust image are to be transferred to recording medium 162 by the electric field inset that transfer printing charger 138 is created between optical conductor and the recording medium.Then, the high temperature and high pressure photographic fixing that the carbon dust image is provided by fuser 140, four look carbon dust images are fixed on the recording medium 162, are being positioned at away from the cleaning station 164 on optical conductor 100 parts of printing the plane usually, the optical conductor discharge is also removed remaining carbon dust or other residue.This cleaning station keeps the tension unit of suitable tension force in the time of also can being included in optical conductors carry.

In the embodiments of the invention of Fig. 5, use to have the semiconductor laser scanner that scans by polygonal mirror.But also can use other light source or liquid-crystal apparatus LCD such as light emitting diode (LED)) light source modulated.Fig. 7 shows the color photoelectric image forming device of second embodiment of the invention, wherein replaces the laser beam scanner of first embodiment with the light source 80-186 that led array or LCD were modulated of independent control.In this situation, can omit semiconductor laser 122-128, polygonal mirror 50-156 and the associated optical devices of Fig. 5.Therefore, compared to the photoelectronic imaging device of first embodiment, its volume of the device of second embodiment is less and manufacturing cost is lower, also can make developing cell more greatly so that extra carbon dust capacity to be provided.Light source 180-186 is contained in single hard framework, and keeps relation fixed to one another.Preferably led array uses the Acylindrical optical devices (for example fibre lens) that crosses and images in the printing plane of optical conductor 100.Can need other optical devices when using the LCD modulation, depend on light source character.Light source 180-186 can be contained in hard framework, thereby the output of the optics of array is propagated along parallel plane in the direction of printing the plane perpendicular to optical conductor.So, compared with the legacy system of Fig. 3, light source 180-186 is and aligns simplification.

As above-mentioned, use little developing cell to help the photo electric imaging system configuration of Fig. 5 and Fig. 7.According to different viewpoints of the present invention, provide this kind little developing cell.Though the developing cell of preferred embodiment of the present invention is used for the system of Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, developing cell of the present invention also can be used for other configuration of these and other photo electric imaging system.Fig. 8 shows the developing cell of embodiments of the invention, comprises first cylinder 200, second tin roller 202, conveying device 204 (normally mesh or similar material), near the rubbing device 206 the friction zone 208 of conveying device, the carbon dust 210 in container, developing roller 212, THICKNESS CONTROL blade 214.Fig. 8 developing cell is located in the shell 216.Shown conveying device 204 is the mesh belts that extend between first cylinder 200 and the second tin roller 202, wherein the mesh opening of belt greatly to carbon dust easily by the opening on the belt surface.First cylinder 200 is received motor when operation, as the head roll of conveying device 204, and as the supply roll of charged toner being delivered to the surface of developing roller 212.Second tin roller 202 is in order to stretching conveying device 204.

Before carbon dust arrived developing roller, the carbon dust 210 that conveying device 204 is carried entered and by rubbing device 206.Rubbing device 206 comprises two plates clamping conveying device 204, when carbon dust 210 charged by time between the plate of rubbing device 206.Among some embodiment, plate is a metal, for example receives the voltage bias VB between about-300 to-700V.Charging panel is formed by the dielectric material such as synthon, paper, acryl resin etc.In this situation, no-bias imposes on rubbing device, only by the frictional electricity supplies charges.

The main points of the developing cell of Fig. 8 be the charging panel of rubbing device 206 on big width and length over against conveying device 204.This permissible height frictional electricity imposes on conveying device with quite light and constant load simultaneously.Charged toner 210 is delivered to first cylinder 200, delivers to the surface of developing roller 212 again from conveying device 204.THICKNESS CONTROL blade 214 applies pressure to developing roller 212, and control is carried on the carbon dust layer thickness on the developing roller 212.On the surface of developing roller 212, the carbon dust layer thickness that THICKNESS CONTROL blade 214 is controlled is between 10 to 100 microns.Over against optical conductor 220, the may command window is incident upon optical conductor 220 with selectivity with carbon dust 210 to developing roller 212 via window 222.

Provide conveying device 204 less, and/or shape differs from traditional developing cell so that carbon dust is moved through the developing cell of developing cell admissible chart 8.Supply unit 204 yet admissible chart 8 developing cells does not need stirring mechanism.In addition, conveying mechanism allows that single composition developer (that is carbon dust and no-load pearl) is used for developing cell, allows that developing cell is less.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, conveying device is the mesh belt that is formed by conductive material.The diameter of each carbon powder particles is several microns to tens microns.The mesh of conveying device 204 allows that carbon powder particles passes, and the mesh opening is preferably tens to the hundreds of micron.

Fig. 9 shows the developing cell of another embodiment of the present invention, and roughly similar Fig. 8 replaces rubbing device 206 and the second tin roller 202 of Fig. 8 except the rubbing device that uses different configuration.Among Fig. 9 embodiment, first cylinder 200 drives conveying device 204, and rubbing device comprises cylinder 230 and hemispherical shell 232, and conveying device 204 turns round between cylinder 230 and hemispherical shell 232.Rubbing device stretching conveying device 204 is to keep suitable tension force on conveying device, also with the carbon dust frictional electricity.When conveying device 204 moved, cylinder 230 rotated, thereby the carbon dust that conveying device 204 is carried is by hemispherical shell 232 frictional electricitys.Use the development operation others of Fig. 9 identical with the first embodiment of fig. 8, so not repeat specification.

Figure 10 shows another variation of developing cell of the present invention, and structure and Fig. 8 are roughly the same, except soft cylinder 240 is added between first cylinder 200 and the developing roller 212.The surface of soft cylinder 240 can by polyester or to have other of fine, soft fur of about 0.5-2.0 millimeter fibrous.Carbon dust temporarily deposits in the fine, soft fur on the soft cylinder, guarantees that the carbon dust constant is fed to developing roller 212.Carbon dust 210 is transferred device 204 carryings, by rubbing device 206 frictional electricitys.Then, charged toner 210 is delivered to first cylinder 200 and soft cylinder 240.Charged toner is fed to the surface of developing roller 212 from soft cylinder 240, is conducted to optical conductor 220 via window 222 again.

Among first embodiment of the developing cell of Fig. 8～10, the contact area of rubbing device is big, is used for carrying carbon dust when endless belt rotates for no reason.So carbon dust carrying operation is smooth-going, the developing cell load is stable, and the developing apparatus power consumption reduces.Moreover the driving load reduction of developing apparatus can reduce the size and the weight of developing cell, and manufacturing cost also reduces.In addition, reduce owing to impose on the power of carbon powder particles, survivable carbon powder particles, thereby promote image quality.

More than be to describe various viewpoint of the present invention by some preferred embodiments.Being familiar with this road person understands and can make an amendment and change and essence spirit still according to the invention preferred embodiment.Therefore, category of the present invention is not limited to described embodiment.

Claims (23)

1. the developing cell in the eletrophotography equipment is characterized in that comprising:

The shell (216) of the element of sealing developing cell, the window (222) that shell (216) has carbon dust (210) to pass through;

First cylinder (200) in shell (216) and second tin roller (202);

Extend in the belt (204) on first cylinder (200) and the second tin roller (202), belt (204) around first cylinder (200) and second tin roller (202) responding the rotation of first cylinder (200) and second tin roller (202), belt (204) but the lip-deep carbon dust of belt conveyor (204) (210);

The charging device (206) of contiguous at least a portion belt (204), charging device (206) gives electric charge through the carbon dust (210) on the other belt (204) of charging device (206);

Carbon dust (210) is delivered to the output unit of shell (216) window (222) from belt (204) surface.

2. developing cell as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that: described output unit comprises developing roller (212), to receive carbon dust (210) that belt (204) transmitted and carbon dust (210) is conducted to shell (216) window (222).

3. developing cell as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that: described belt (204) comprises and is formed at the lip-deep opening of belt (204).

4. developing cell as claimed in claim 3, it is characterized in that: described belt (204) comprises carbon dust (210) particle with first mean diameter in addition, and the mean diameter of the lip-deep opening of wherein said belt (204) is greater than first mean diameter of described carbon dust (210) particle.

5. developing cell as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described charging device (206) is charged carbon dust (210) by frictional electricity.

6. developing cell as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that: described charging device (206) comprises a pair of friction plate.

7. developing cell as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that: described friction plate is a metal.

8. developing cell as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that: described friction plate is received bias.

9. developing cell as claimed in claim 6, it is characterized in that: friction plate is non-conductive.

10. developing cell as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that: other comprises the soft cylinder (240) that is positioned between belt (204) and the developing roller (212), and soft cylinder (240) has the fine, soft fur that can store carbon dust (210) from the teeth outwards.

11. developing cell as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that: charging device (206) comprises the twisted plate that breaks away from second tin roller (202) by belt (204), and twisted plate cooperates second tin roller (202) to do in order to the carbon dust (210) that passes through between second tin roller (202) and the twisted plate on the belt (204) is charged.

12. developing cell as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that: described twisted plate is hemispherical shell (232).

13. developing cell as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that: output unit comprises developing roller (212), to receive carbon dust (210) that belt (204) transmitted and carbon dust (210) is conducted to shell (216) window (222).

14. developing cell as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that: belt (204) comprises mesh, makes opening be formed on belt (204) surface.

15. developing cell as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that: other comprises carbon dust (210) particle with first mean diameter, and the mean diameter of the lip-deep opening of wherein said belt (204) is greater than first mean diameter of described carbon dust (210) particle.

16. developing cell as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that: charging device (206) is charged carbon dust (210) by frictional electricity.

17. developing cell as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that: second tin roller (202) and twisted plate are metal.

18. developing cell as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that: second tin roller (202) and twisted plate are received bias.

19. developing cell as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that: twisted plate is non-conductive.

20. developing cell as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that: other comprises the soft cylinder (240) that is positioned between belt (204) and the developing roller (212), and soft cylinder (240) has the fine, soft fur that can store carbon dust (210) from the teeth outwards.

21. one kind is used for the developing method that photoelectronic imaging is handled, it is characterized in that: this method comprises:

Driving comprises the induction system of belt (204), belt (204) surface bears carbon dust (210) particle;

Make carbon dust (210) particle on the belt (204) make carbon dust (210) particle charging by the opposition friction plate;

Charged toner (210) particle is delivered to the surface of developing;

Charged toner (210) is transferred to optical conductor (220) surface from the surface of developing.

22. method as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that: belt (204) is driven by a series cylinder and stretches on this series cylinder.

23. method as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that: belt (204) has the mesh surface, and its opening is greater than carbon dust (210) particle average-size.

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