JP2000039764A - Manufacture of developer carrier, developing device and process cartridge and image forming device provided therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain the manufacturing method of a developer carrier by which the accuracy of a flange can be contrived without increasing the number of manufacturing processes and the manufacturing cost. SOLUTION: A cylindrical member is formed by cutting a pipe-like body obtained by the extrusion process or the drawing process as long as fixed length. On the other hand, an engagement part 1 engaged with the developer carrier, a shaft part 2 and a gear fitting part 3 whose cross section being vertical in the shaft direction of the shaft part 2 is formed to be H-shaped are formed so as to form the flange in conformity with cold forging. Then, the accuracy of the flange is set with respect to a previously decided reference surface by cutting at least one part of the engagement part 1, the shaft part 2 and the gear fitting part 3 thereof. Then, surface property is given to the cylindrical member as the developer carrier by processing the surface of the cylindrical member after engaging the obtained flange with the end part of the cylindrical member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device for converting a latent image formed on a latent image carrier to a visible image with a developer, a process cartridge having the developing device, and an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a cylindrical developer carrier for transferring a developer carried on an outer peripheral surface to a latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier, a flange is provided at an end of the developer carrier. In general, they are fitted and rotatable with respect to the developing device main body via a flange.

[0003] In the flange, usually, a fitting portion to the developer carrier, a rotating shaft portion rotatably supported by the developing device main body, and a driving force from a driving force supply source. A gear mounting portion to which a receiving gear is mounted is provided.

In a conventional method of manufacturing a flange, a cylindrical metal rod made of aluminum or the like is cut into a predetermined length to form a cylindrical member, and a center shaft hole is formed along the axial direction of the cylindrical member. In the process of cutting the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member while fixing the cylindrical member based on the inner diameter of the shaft hole, forming the fitting part, shaft part and gear mounting part, then cutting the gear mounting part etc. with a milling machine etc. Based on this, a flange has been manufactured, and the shape and accuracy have been set from a predetermined reference plane.

[0005]

By the way, the gear mounting portion of the flange is provided with a gear mounting portion of the flange from the viewpoints of simplification of mounting of a gear receiving driving force from a driving supply source, easiness of processing, and stabilization. In the shaping of the flange, by cutting the shaft tip of the flange and forming one plane or two parallel planes at the tip of the flange, the section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft of the flange Shape is D-shaped or H
Often taken in the shape of a letter.

However, in the conventional method of manufacturing a flange, a cylindrical metal rod made of aluminum or the like is cut into a predetermined length to form a cylindrical member, and a central shaft hole is formed along the axial direction of the cylindrical member. Since the step of cutting the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member while fixing the cylindrical member based on the inner diameter of the central shaft hole is performed, a flange with high accuracy and high coaxiality can be realized, but it is often used for manufacturing a flange. Since the number of steps and time are required, there is a fear that the cost is likely to be increased.

Therefore, conventionally, in order to reduce the number of steps and time required for manufacturing a flange and to suppress an increase in cost, the fitting portion of the flange is formed by a known forging process or a cold forging process. A method of shaping the shape of the shaft portion and the gear mounting portion has been proposed and realized. In such a method, a flange required for a high-precision image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic recording apparatus in recent years has been proposed. Responding to the realization of accuracy has been difficult in practice.

Conventionally, in order to reduce the number of steps and time required for manufacturing a flange, a raw material member of a flange is fitted to an end of a cylindrical member which is a raw tube of a developer carrying member. A method has been proposed and realized in which the raw material members of the cylindrical member and the flange are simultaneously ground in accordance with a known centerless grinding process. In such a method, the shaft portion of the flange and the gear mounting portion are provided with a developer. In order to simultaneously grind with the base tube of the carrier, it is necessary to provide a step corresponding to the shaft portion of the base tube and the flange of the developer carrier and the gear mounting portion on the grinding wheel. In addition, it has been difficult to maintain the grinding accuracy in simultaneous grinding of the shaft portion of the base tube and flange of the developer carrying member and the gear mounting portion.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a developer carrier that can achieve high accuracy of a flange without increasing the number of manufacturing steps and increasing manufacturing costs.
An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device including a rotatable developer carrier manufactured according to this manufacturing method, or a process cartridge or an image forming apparatus including the developing device.

[0010]

According to the present application, the object is to provide a cylindrical developer carrier for transferring a developer carried on an outer peripheral surface to a latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier. The pipe-shaped body obtained by the extrusion step or the drawing step is cut into a fixed length to form a cylindrical member, and the flange is fitted to the end of the cylindrical member. In the method for manufacturing a developer carrier, which imparts a surface property as a developer carrier to the member, a fitting portion to the developer carrier, a rotating shaft portion rotatably supported by the developing device main body, And, the gear mounting portion to which the gear receiving the driving force from the driving force supply source is attached is formed into a flange by cold forging or cold forging, and at least a part of the fitting portion of the flange, the shaft portion, and the gear mounting portion. The cutting process is performed and the predetermined standard After performing flange precision setting for, also it is realized by the end the first invention of allowed to fit into the cylinder and the resulting flange member.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the first invention according to the present application, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange includes:
The present invention is also achieved by the second invention in which a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange is formed in a D-shape.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the first invention according to the present application, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has an H-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. This is also achieved by the third aspect of the invention.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is a developing apparatus for converting a latent image formed on a latent image carrier into a visible image by using a developer, which is described in the first invention according to the present application. The present invention is also attained by the fourth invention including the developer carrier produced by the production method of (1).

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the fourth invention according to the present application, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. It is also achieved by the fifth invention that is adopted.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the fourth invention according to the present application, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange includes:
The present invention is also achieved by the sixth invention in which the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange is formed in an H shape.

Further, according to the present application, an object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge detachably supported by a main body of an image forming apparatus, wherein the latent image carrier and a process cartridge according to a fourth aspect of the present invention are described. The present invention is also achieved by a seventh invention including a developing device.

According to the present application, the above object is achieved in the seventh invention according to the present application, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange includes:
The present invention is also achieved by the eighth invention in which the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange is D-shaped.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the seventh invention according to the present application, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has an H-shaped cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. This is also achieved by the ninth invention that is adopted.

Further, according to the present application, the object is to form a latent image formed on a latent image carrier into a visible image using a developer, transfer the visible image to a recording medium, and convert an unfixed image to a recording medium. An image forming apparatus in which an unfixed image is fixed and recorded on a recording medium by performing a fixing process on a recording medium carrying an unfixed image after forming and carrying the image on the latent image carrier and the present invention. The present invention is also attained by the tenth invention that includes the developing device according to the fourth invention.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the tenth invention according to the present application, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has a D-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. The invention is also achieved by the eleventh invention.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the tenth invention according to the present application, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange includes:
The invention is also achieved by a twelfth invention in which the cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion of the flange perpendicular to the axial direction is formed in an H shape.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the tenth to twelfth inventions according to the present application, wherein the latent image carrier and the developing device are detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. This is also achieved by the thirteenth invention in which the cartridge is held inside the process cartridge.

Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved according to the tenth to twelfth inventions according to the present application, wherein a plurality of developing devices for performing a developing process using developers of different colors are provided. The developing device is removably supported by an axially symmetrical rotary unit that is rotatable in the image forming apparatus main body, and the rotation of the rotary unit causes each developing device to reach a developing processing position at which each developing device performs a developing process. The present invention is also achieved by a fourteenth invention in which

That is, in the first invention according to the present application, the pipe-like body obtained by the extrusion step or the drawing step is cut into a fixed length to form a cylindrical member, while the pipe-like body is fitted to the developer carrying member. The part, a rotating shaft part rotatably supported by the developing device main body, and a gear attachment part to which a gear receiving a driving force from a driving force supply source is attached to the flange by cold forging or cold forging. Forming, performing a cutting process on at least a part of the fitting portion of the flange, the shaft portion and the gear mounting portion, and setting the accuracy of the flange with respect to a predetermined reference surface,
After fitting the obtained flange to the end of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member is subjected to a surface treatment to give the cylindrical member surface properties as a developer carrier.

In the second invention according to the present application,
The pipe-shaped body obtained by the extrusion step or the drawing step is cut into a fixed length to form a cylindrical member, while a rotating body-shaped shaft rotatably supported by the fitting portion to the developer carrier and the developing device body. Part and a gear receiving driving force from a driving force supply source are attached, and the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft part is D.
The gear mounting portion taken in the shape of a letter is formed into a flange by cold heading or cold forging, and a cutting process is performed on at least a part of the fitting portion of the flange, the shaft portion, and the gear mounting portion, and a predetermined standard After setting the accuracy of the flange with respect to the surface and fitting the obtained flange to the end of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member is subjected to a surface treatment to give the cylindrical member surface properties as a developer carrier.

Further, in the third invention according to the present application, the pipe-like body obtained by the extrusion step or the drawing step is cut into a fixed length to form a cylindrical member, while the pipe-like body is fitted to the developer carrying member. And a rotating body-shaped shaft portion rotatably supported by the developing device body, and a gear receiving a driving force from a driving force supply source are attached, and a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion is provided. The H-shaped gear mounting portion is formed into a flange by cold heading or cold forging, and a cutting process is performed on at least a part of the fitting portion of the flange, the shaft portion, and the gear mounting portion, and a predetermined process is performed. Set the flange accuracy with respect to the reference plane,
After fitting the obtained flange to the end of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member is subjected to a surface treatment to give the cylindrical member surface properties as a developer carrier.

In the fourth invention according to the present application,
A developer carrier produced by the production method according to the first invention according to the present invention carries a developer on an outer peripheral surface, and transfers the developer to a latent image formed and carried on a latent image carrier. Thus, the latent image is converted into a visible image.

Further, in the fifth invention according to the present application, the developer carrying member produced by the production method according to the second invention according to the present application carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and forms a latent image. The latent image is visualized by transferring the developer to the latent image formed and carried on the carrier.

In the sixth invention according to the present application,
The developer carrying member manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the third invention according to the present application carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and transfers the developer to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrying member. Thus, the latent image is converted into a visible image.

Further, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a process cartridge provided with a latent image carrier and the developing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the developer carrier is formed on the outer peripheral surface. By carrying the developer, by transferring the developer to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier,
The latent image is visualized.

In the eighth invention according to the present application,
In the process cartridge including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the fifth invention of the present application, the developer carrier carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and forms the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier. The latent image is visualized by transferring the developer.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge including a latent image carrier and a developing device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the developer carrier is formed on an outer peripheral surface. By carrying the developer, by transferring the developer to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier,
The latent image is visualized.

In the tenth invention according to the present application,
In the image forming apparatus including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the fourth invention of the present application, the developer carrier carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and forms the latent image formed on the latent image carrier. And transferring the developer, transferring the latent image formed on the latent image carrier to the recording medium, forming and carrying the unfixed image on the recording medium, and performing a fixing process on the recording medium carrying the unfixed image. Thus, the unfixed image is fixedly recorded on the recording medium.

Further, according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the developer carrier has an outer peripheral surface. The developer is transferred to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier, the latent image formed on the latent image carrier is transferred to a recording medium, and the unfixed image is recorded on the recording medium. The unfixed image is fixed and recorded on the recording medium by performing a fixing process on the recording medium carrying the unfixed image.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the developer carrier has an outer peripheral surface. The developer is transferred to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier, the latent image formed on the latent image carrier is transferred to a recording medium, and the unfixed image is recorded on the recording medium. The unfixed image is fixed and recorded on the recording medium by performing a fixing process on the recording medium carrying the unfixed image.

Further, in the thirteenth invention according to the present application, the developing device according to the fourth invention to the sixth invention according to the present application is arranged so that the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier is formed by the developing device. When a visible image is formed by the developer and the latent image carrier needs to be repaired and the developer is supplied to the developing device, the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge.

In the fourteenth invention according to the present application, there are provided a plurality of developing devices according to the fourth to sixth inventions according to the present invention, which contain developers of different colors from each other, and A developing device that forms a latent image corresponding to each color on a latent image carrier and performs a developing process according to the latent image for each color is located at a developing process position by rotation of a rotary unit, and a latent image for each color is formed. The unfixed image is transferred to the recording medium by transferring and loading the visible image of each color onto a recording medium, forming and carrying the unfixed image on the recording medium, and performing a fixing process on the recording medium carrying the unfixed image. Record the fixation.

[0038]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a drum-shaped rotatable latent image carrier 100 is disposed at a substantially central position of the main body of the image forming apparatus. In the form, as the latent image carrier 100,
A drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member whose surface layer is a photosensitive layer mainly made of a photosensitive material is employed.

The latent image carrier 100 is exposed above the latent image carrier 100 by exposing the surface of the latent image carrier 100 to light.
The optical unit 107 for forming a latent image is disposed on the surface of the latent image carrier 10.
In the case where a single-color image is reproduced by exposing the surface of No. 0, a latent image corresponding to the single-color image is reproduced, and in the case where a multi-color image is reproduced, a latent image for each color image is sequentially printed. It is formed on the surface of the image carrier 100.

In order to reproduce a single-color image, the latent image formed and carried on the surface of the latent image carrier 100 is transferred to a different color developer disposed around the latent image carrier 100. Four development units on which the development process is performed, that is,
A developing unit Dy where a developing process based on a yellow developer is performed, a developing unit Dm where a developing process based on a magenta developer is performed, a developing unit Dc where a developing process based on a cyan developer is performed, and a developing process based on a black developer. In the developing unit Db to be performed, the developing unit corresponding to the single-color image is a visible image,
A visible image corresponding to the monochrome image is formed and carried on the surface of the latent image carrier 100.

On the other hand, when a multi-color image is reproduced, a process of forming a latent image formed on the surface of the latent image carrier 100 and making the latent image a visible image by the developing unit is sequentially performed for each color. By repeating, the visible image of each color is carried and laminated on the surface of the latent image carrier 100.

Next, the rotatable transfer rotator 103 is located at a position facing the latent image carrier 100 on the side opposite to the developing units Dy, Dm, Dc, Db in the latent image carrier 100.
Is arranged, and the leading end of the recording medium 102 fed from the feeding mechanism 101 is gripped on the surface of the transfer rotator 103 by a gripper 103f provided on the surface of the transfer rotator 103. After the recording medium 102 is held on the surface of the transfer rotator 103, the recording medium 102 is moved by rotation of the transfer rotator 103 to a position facing the latent image forming portion of the latent image carrier 100.

The visible image formed and carried on the surface of the latent image carrier 100 is a recording medium held on the surface of the transfer rotator 103 at a position facing the latent image forming portion of the latent image carrier 100. With the reaching of 102, in the case of reproducing a monochromatic image, a visible image corresponding to the monochromatic image is recorded on the recording medium 10.
In the case of multicolor image reproduction, a visible image of each color is transferred and stacked on the recording medium 102, so that a single-color or multicolor unfixed image is recorded on the recording medium 102.
To be formed.

Therefore, the recording medium 10 carrying the unfixed image
The fixing device 10 separates from the surface of the transfer rotator 103 and
4, the fixing device 104 performs a fixing process. In the case of reproducing a single-color image, an unfixed image formed of a single-color developer is softened and melted. In the case of reproducing a multi-color image, The unfixed image composed of each color developer is softened and melted and mixed to form the unfixed image.
After the image is fixed and recorded as a fixed image, the recording medium 102 on which the fixing process has been performed is discharged to a paper discharge tray 106 via a paper discharge mechanism 105.

In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, each of the developing units Dy, Dm, Dc and Db is detachably held by a rotatable cross-shaped rotary unit 108 provided in the image forming apparatus. Thus, the rotation of the rotary unit 108 causes each developing unit D
y, Dm, Dc, and Db are selected and arranged to face the latent image carrier 100.

In this embodiment, the rotary unit 108 is formed in a cross shape or a substantially cross shape, and extends from the central axis to the outer periphery for holding the developing units Dy, Dm, Dc, and Db. Four substantially semicircular holding portions are formed.

The rotary unit 108 is provided with a pressure member 111 which is slidable in the thrust direction of each of the developing units Dy, Dm, Dc, Db. Unit Dy, D
Selective arrangement of m, Dc, and Db on the latent image carrier 100 is performed.

Each developing unit Dy, Dm, Dc, Db
As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 20 includes a rotatable developing device 20 for storing a developer of a corresponding color, a shell 13 for covering and holding the developing device 20, and the like. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of each of the developing units Dy, Dm, Dc, and Db.

In the present embodiment, the shell 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the rotary shaft 114 of the developing device 20 is formed.
Is penetrated through the main body of the shell 13 so that the developing device 20
It is designed to rotate around.

In the present embodiment, the developing device 20
The rotation shaft 114 is passed through the main body of the shell 13 so that the developing device 20 is rotatable by the main body of the shell 13. However, the shell 13 is rotatable at the axial end of the shell 13. Support, so shell 1
It is needless to say that any means capable of regulating the rotation of 3 is sufficient and is not limited to the present embodiment.

The developing device 20 is divided into a developer storage section 19 in which a predetermined amount of developer is stored and a development processing section 12 in which a developing process is executed. A rotatable stirring member 18 that stirs the developer t and transports the developer to the development processing unit 12 while appropriately dissolving the developer t is provided. On the other hand, the development processing unit 12 has a cylindrical shape as a developer carrier. Rotatable developing sleeve 15 is disposed in contact with or close to developing sleeve 15, and supplies developer to developing sleeve 15 and develops sleeve 1 after development processing.
5 is a rotatable transport roller 1 that removes the residual developer on the surface of the developing sleeve 15 from the surface of the developing sleeve 15 while rotating.
And a developing blade 16 which regulates the amount of developer carried on the surface of the developing sleeve 15 and frictionally charges the developer carried on the surface of the developing sleeve 15.

In this embodiment, as a developer, a developer disclosed in JP-A-6-234515 or the like is used.
Developers having low melting point characteristics, so-called sharp melt toners, are employed.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a known light transmission method is employed as a method for detecting the remaining amount of the developer in the developer storage unit 19. At the position facing the optical path λ at the light transmission window 23a,
23b are provided, and transmission holes 132a and 132b are provided at positions on the optical path λ in the shell 13.

Further, in this embodiment, the shell 13
Legs (not shown) are provided on both sides of the rotary unit 108 in the axial direction. The legs are brought into contact with a step 108a provided on a holding portion of the rotary unit 108 (see FIG. 1), whereby the holding is performed. The shell 13 is non-rotatably supported by the rotary unit 108 in the portion.

In this embodiment, the surface of the shell 13 on the side of the shell 13 opposite to the leg portion is provided when the developing unit D is moved to the developing position. An opening 13b that allows the image carrier 100 to face each other is provided.

Next, the flange according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of a schematic shape of the flange according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the flange, FIG. 2B is a schematic front view of the flange, and FIG. 1C is a schematic sectional view of the flange.

As shown in FIG. 3, the flange according to the present embodiment is a cylindrically shaped developing sleeve 15 (FIG. 2).
), A cylindrical shaft portion 2 that is rotatably supported by the developing device main body to make the developing sleeve 15 rotatable, and a drive for driving the developing sleeve 15 to rotate. A gear attachment 3 or the like to which a gear (not shown) to which a driving force from a power supply source (not shown) is transmitted is provided. In the present embodiment, the gear attachment 3 is The gear mounting portion 3 of the flange has an H-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion 2.

Next, a method for manufacturing the developing sleeve according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, the following values are adopted as target values for designing the flange.

[0061]

[Target value]

 Overall length of flange: 44.0 ± 0.1 mm Length of fitting part: 10.0 ± 0.1 mm Outer diameter of fitting part: 16.25 ± 0.005 mm Inner diameter of fitting part: 9.0 ± 0 .1mm Shaft length: 25.0 ± 0.1mm Shaft outer diameter: 12.1 ± 0.01mm Shaft inner diameter: 5.0 ± 0.1mm Gear mounting length: 8.0mm Approximate outer diameter of the gear attachment: 9.0 ± 0.01 mm Length of the plane of the gear attachment: 7.0 ± 0.01 mm

The developer carried on the outer peripheral surface is transferred to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier in accordance with the electrophotographic method or the electrostatic recording method typified by the developing sleeve 15 according to the present embodiment. In the case of a cylindrical developer carrier, the latent image is generally formed regardless of whether the developer is one-component or two-component, magnetic or non-magnetic, or insulating or dielectric. In order to produce a faithful visual image, extremely high precision is required for the surface roughness, straightness and runout of the developer carrying member.

As the material of the sleeve tube of the developing sleeve 15 according to the present embodiment, Al having a purity of 99.5% or more,
Cu-Al alloy containing 0.05 to 0.20% Cu,
0.05-0.20% Cu and 1.0-1.5% M
n-containing Cu-Mn-Al alloy, or 0.20-0.
S containing 60% Si and 0.45 to 0.90% Mg
Since an i-Mg-Al alloy or the like is employed, a pipe having a certain degree of dimensional accuracy can be obtained in accordance with an extrusion step or a drawing step.

However, in such a pipe-shaped body, since a large bend remains, the pipe-shaped body is usually subjected to roll straightening and cut into a predetermined length, and the total length = 35.
A sleeve tube having a diameter of 0 mm, an outer diameter of 20.4 mm and an inner diameter of 16.0 mm is obtained.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the flange according to the present embodiment is manufactured by cold heading using bar-shaped aluminum (material: A5056) having a diameter of 12 mm. FIG. 4 is a schematic process diagram for explaining a manufacturing process of the flange.

In this embodiment, a molded product of a flange is manufactured from rod-shaped aluminum. However, it goes without saying that the main material of the flange is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, a mold for each step is mounted on a known forging apparatus, and thus, while continuously cutting and supplying bar-shaped aluminum, each time under the action of 20 tons. By performing the cold heading process based on 50 presses per minute, the schematic shape of the fitting portion 1, the shaft portion 2, the gear mounting portion 3, and the like in the flange was formed, and then the general shape was formed. Wash and degrease the flange with kerosene.

The run-out of the gear mounting portion 3 with respect to the fitting portion 1 of each flange was measured for 100 flanges after degreasing. 12 μm, ma
x. The measurement results of 54 μm and ave 28.4 μm were obtained.

Next, a cutting process described below is performed on the flange having the roughly formed shape based on the cold heading process, and the accuracy of the flange is set.

. The fitting portion 1 of the flange is cut while the shaft portion 2 of the flange, whose shape is roughly formed according to the cold heading process, is gripped by a known cutting lathe device, and the outer diameter of the fitting portion 1 is set to 0.1 mm. Let it decrease.

[0071] While holding the shank 2 of the flange, whose shape is roughly formed according to the cold forging process, with a cutting lathe,
The fitting portion 1 of the flange is cut, and the outer diameter of the fitting portion is set to 0.
Shaft 2 reduced by 1 mm and held by cutting lathe
And cut the gear mounting portion 3 of the flange.

[0072] The fitting portion 1 and the gear mounting portion 3 of the flange are cut while the cutting lathe device holds the center shaft hole of the flange, whose shape is roughly formed according to the cold heading process.

The cutting means that the work member is mounted on a lathe, then the work member is rotated, and the steel cutting tool is brought into sliding contact with the surface of the work member to move in parallel to the axial direction of the work member. In this method, the surface of the member to be worked is shaved to finish the member to be worked into a member of a rotating body having a predetermined outer diameter and straightness.

[0074] The run-out of the gear mounting portion 3 was measured with respect to the fitting portion 1 of each flange for 100 flanges obtained by the cutting process described above. 6
μm, max. The measurement results of 20 μm and ave 12.4 μm were obtained.

In addition,. For 100 flanges obtained by the cutting process described above, the runout of the gear mounting portion 3 was measured with reference to the fitting portion 1 of each flange.
n. 3 μm, max. 12.7 μm, ave 7.6 μm
Was obtained.

Further,. When the run-out of the gear mounting portion was measured with respect to the fitting portion of each flange for 100 flanges obtained by the cutting process described above, the run-out was found to be min. 2 μm, max. 10.5 μm, ave
It was 5.4 μm.

On the other hand, as a comparative example, 100 flanges obtained after the cold heading process and without performing the cutting process described below are targeted, and the shaft portion 2 and the gear mounting with the fitting portion 1 of each flange as a reference. When the run-out of the part 3 was measured, the straightness and run-out of the fitting failure of the flange based on the AB standard shown in FIG. 5 were 15 μm or less and 10 μm or less, respectively. Of the shaft portion and the gear mounting portion were measured to be 10 μm or less and 80 μm or less.

FIG. 5 is an accuracy drawing table of the developing sleeve according to the comparative example.

Therefore, from the comparison of the measurement results in the comparative example and the comparative example, it can be seen that the method of manufacturing the developer carrier according to the present embodiment reduces the runout of the gear mounting portion based on the fitting portion of the flange. was gotten.

Then, the inner diameter of both ends of the sleeve tube is set to 16.1 mm by subjecting the both ends of the sleeve tube to spigot processing, and then the flange is formed by press fitting, bonding or shrink fitting. Fit to the end of the tube.

The press-fitting means that the fitting portion 1 of the flange, which has a value slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve tube, is mechanically pushed into the end of the sleeve tube so that the flange is inserted into the sleeve tube. Is to be fitted to the end portion.

Further, shrink fitting means that the inner diameter of the end of the sleeve tube is expanded by heating the end of the sleeve tube so that the inner diameter of the end of the sleeve tube is larger than the dimension of the fitting portion 1 of the flange. After the fitting portion 1 is fitted to the end of the sleeve tube, the end of the sleeve tube is cooled and shrunk, so that the flange is fitted to the end of the sleeve tube.

For this reason, a cutting process or a centerless grinding process (FIG. 6) is performed on the sleeve tube having the flange fitted at the end.
And the like, the sleeve base tube is finished to a desired dimensional accuracy (surface roughness, straightness, run-out). still,
FIGS. 6A and 6B are views for explaining centerless grinding on a sleeve tube. In particular, FIG. 6A is a schematic side view for explaining centerless grinding, while FIG. It is a schematic front view explaining a grinding process.

The centerless grinding means that a cylindrical grinding wheel and a cylindrical adjusting wheel are arranged facing each other,
Further, a method using a grinding device in which the blade disposed between the grinding wheel and the adjusting wheel presses and supports the work member, by narrowing the interval between the grinding wheel and the adjusting wheel rotated in the same direction, The work member arranged between the grinding wheel and the adjustment wheel rotates, and the rotating work member is brought into sliding contact with the grinding wheel on the blade, so that the surface roughness of the work member and the perfect circular shape are obtained. In this embodiment, a centerless grinding method based on an in-feed centerless grinding device is employed, and the same as the dimensional difference between the sleeve tube and the flange. By using a grinding wheel having a step of about the same level, the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve tube and the fitting portion of the flange can be simultaneously ground, thereby reducing the number of steps. It is obtained.

Next, in order to finish the sleeve tube with the flange fitted at the end into the developing sleeve 15, sand blasting or the like is performed on the outer surface of the sleeve tube to form irregularities on the outer surface of the sleeve tube. 5% by weight of 1 part by weight of carbon black powder and 9 parts by weight of graphite obtained by dispersing conductive carbon or the like in a thermosetting resin to improve the developer transportability of the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve base tube. The phenolic resin dispersed in the phenolic resin was diluted with methanol or the like, and the paint was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve tube by air spray coating (see FIG. 7). After forming a carbon layer, the sleeve tube composed of the carbon layer and the like is dried in a thermostat at about 150 to 170 ° C. for 20 to 30 minutes, and the coating film is hardened on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve tube to form a sleeve. By improving the developer triboelectric chargeability of the outer peripheral surface of the probe base pipe, the sleeve blank tube is that the finished to the developing sleeve 15.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining spray coating on the sleeve tube.

Then, the sleeve tube with the flange fitted at the end is subjected to cutting or centerless grinding, etc.
By setting the surface roughness, straightness, runout, and other accuracy of the sleeve tube, the sleeve tube is finished into the developing sleeve 15 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view for explaining a finished product of the developing sleeve.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to manufacture the high-precision developing sleeve 15 in which the run-out with respect to the predetermined reference plane is suppressed without increasing the number of manufacturing steps and the manufacturing cost. As a result, it is possible to always maintain good image provision without causing an image defect due to an increase in runout in the flange fitting portion 1, the shaft portion 2, the gear mounting portion 3, and the like.

In this embodiment, the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion 2 of the gear mounting portion 3 of the flange is H.
Although only the letter shape has been mentioned, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the gear mounting portion 3 perpendicular to the axial direction may be any shape within a range for the purpose of stabilizing the gear mounting, for example, a D-shape. Needless to say, it's good.

In the present embodiment, aluminum is used as the material of the flange. However, a material other than aluminum, for example, stainless steel is used as the material of the flange, and the present embodiment is applied. Needless to say, the same effect as in the embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, a developer mainly containing a non-magnetic resin is used. However, a developer mainly containing a magnetic resin is used, and a hollow cylindrical developer carrier is used. The present embodiment is applied to a developing device in which the developer mainly containing a magnetic resin is carried on the surface of the developer carrying member by receiving the magnetic force of a columnar magnetic member fixedly disposed coaxially with the developer carrying member at the portion. It is needless to say that the same effects and advantages as those of the present embodiment can be obtained by applying.

[0093]

As described above, according to the first invention of the present application, a pipe-shaped body obtained by an extrusion step or a drawing step is cut into a fixed length to form a cylindrical member. The fitting portion to the developer carrier, the rotating shaft portion rotatably supported by the developing device main body, and the gear mounting portion to which the gear receiving the driving force from the driving force supply source are mounted are cooled. Formed into a flange by cold heading or cold forging, performing a cutting process on at least a part of the fitting portion of the flange, the shaft portion, and the gear mounting portion, setting the accuracy of the flange with respect to a predetermined reference surface, and obtaining After fitting the flange to the end of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member is subjected to surface treatment to give the cylindrical member surface properties as a developer carrying member, without increasing the number of manufacturing steps and increasing manufacturing costs. On a predetermined reference plane It can be shake Oyobi to produce a highly accurate developer carrying member is suppressed.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the pipe-like body obtained by the extrusion step or the drawing step is cut into a fixed length to form a cylindrical member. And a rotating body-shaped shaft portion rotatably supported by the developing device body, and a gear receiving a driving force from a driving force supply source are attached. D
The gear mounting portion taken in the shape of a letter is formed into a flange by cold heading or cold forging, and a cutting process is performed on at least a part of the fitting portion of the flange, the shaft portion, and the gear mounting portion, and a predetermined standard After setting the accuracy of the flange with respect to the surface and fitting the obtained flange to the end of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member is subjected to a surface treatment to give the cylindrical member the surface property as a developer carrier. Thus, it is possible to manufacture a highly accurate developer carrier in which the run-out with respect to a predetermined reference plane is suppressed without increasing the cost and the manufacturing cost.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application,
The pipe-shaped body obtained by the extrusion step or the drawing step is cut into a fixed length to form a cylindrical member, while a rotating body-shaped shaft rotatably supported by the fitting portion to the developer carrier and the developing device body. And a gear receiving a driving force from a driving force supply source, and a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion is H.
The gear mounting portion taken in the shape of a letter is formed into a flange by cold heading or cold forging, and a cutting process is performed on at least a part of the fitting portion of the flange, the shaft portion, and the gear mounting portion, and a predetermined standard After setting the accuracy of the flange with respect to the surface and fitting the obtained flange to the end of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member is subjected to a surface treatment to give the cylindrical member the surface property as a developer carrier. Thus, it is possible to manufacture a highly accurate developer carrier in which the run-out with respect to a predetermined reference plane is suppressed without increasing the cost and the manufacturing cost.

Further, according to the fourth invention of the present application, the developer carrying member manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the first invention of the present application carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and forms a latent image. By transferring the developer to the latent image formed on the carrier, the latent image is visualized, so that the number of manufacturing steps and the manufacturing cost are not increased, and a predetermined reference plane is not generated. Thus, it is possible to provide a developing device provided with a highly accurate developer carrier in which fluctuations of the developer are suppressed.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application,
The developer carrying member produced by the production method according to the second invention according to the present application carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and transfers the developer to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrying member. Developing the latent image into a visible image, so that the developing device is provided with a highly accurate developer carrier in which the swing with respect to a predetermined reference plane is suppressed without increasing the number of manufacturing steps and the manufacturing cost. Can be provided.

Further, according to the sixth invention of the present application, the developer carrying member manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the third invention of the present application carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and forms a latent image. By transferring the developer to the latent image formed on the carrier, the latent image is visualized, so that the number of manufacturing steps and the manufacturing cost are not increased, and a predetermined reference plane is not generated. Thus, it is possible to provide a developing device provided with a highly accurate developer carrier in which fluctuations of the developer are suppressed.

Further, according to the seventh invention of the present application,
In the process cartridge including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the fourth invention of the present application, the developer carrier carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and forms the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier. Since the latent image is visualized by transferring the developer, it is possible to provide a process cartridge including a developing device having the effects described in the fourth aspect of the present invention.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in a process cartridge provided with a latent image carrier and the developing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the developer carrier is formed on the outer peripheral surface. The latent image is visualized by transferring the developer to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier, and thus has the effect of the fifth invention according to the present application. Provision of a process cartridge including a developing device can be realized.

Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application,
In the process cartridge including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the sixth invention of the present application, the developer carrier carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and forms the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier. Since the latent image is visualized by transferring the developer, it is possible to provide a process cartridge including a developing device having the effects described in the sixth aspect of the present invention.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the developer carrier is provided on the outer peripheral surface. The developer is carried, the developer is transferred to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier, the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier is transferred to the recording medium, and the unfixed image is recorded on the recording medium. Since the unfixed image is fixedly recorded on the recording medium by performing the fixing process on the recording medium carrying the unfixed image after forming and carrying the image, the image including the developing device having the effect according to the fourth invention according to the present application is provided. Provision of a forming apparatus can be realized.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the developer carrier has an outer peripheral surface. The developer is transferred to the latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier, the latent image formed on the latent image carrier is transferred to a recording medium, and the unfixed image is recorded on the recording medium. Since the unfixed image is fixedly recorded on the recording medium by performing the fixing process on the recording medium carrying the unfixed image, the developing device having the effect of the fifth invention according to the present application is provided. An image forming apparatus can be provided.

Further, according to the twelfth invention of the present application,
In the image forming apparatus including the latent image carrier and the developing device according to the sixth invention of the present application, the developer carrier carries the developer on the outer peripheral surface, and forms the latent image formed on the latent image carrier. And transferring the developer, transferring the latent image formed on the latent image carrier to the recording medium, forming and carrying the unfixed image on the recording medium, and performing a fixing process on the recording medium carrying the unfixed image. Accordingly, since the unfixed image is fixedly recorded on the recording medium, it is possible to realize the provision of the image forming apparatus including the developing device having the effect described in the sixth invention according to the present application.

Further, according to the thirteenth invention according to the present application, the developing device according to the fourth to sixth inventions according to the present application can execute the latent image formed on and carried by the latent image carrier. When it is necessary to repair the latent image carrier and supply the developer to the developing device while replacing the visible image with the developer, the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge. It is possible to realize provision of an image forming apparatus including a developing device having the above, and to simplify maintenance such as repair of a latent image carrier and supply of a developer to the developing device.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
A plurality of developing devices according to the fourth to sixth aspects of the present invention are housed, each storing a different color developer, forming a latent image corresponding to each color on a latent image carrier, and carrying a latent image corresponding to each color. A developing device that performs a developing process according to the latent image is located at a developing position by rotating the rotary unit, the latent image for each color is made a visible image, and the visible image for each color is transferred and loaded on a recording medium, and the unfixed image Is formed and carried on a recording medium, and the unfixed image is fixedly recorded on the recording medium by performing a fixing process on the recording medium carrying the unfixed image. Therefore, the development having the effect described in the fourth invention according to the present application is achieved. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus and capable of reproducing an image using a multicolor developer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a developing unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of a schematic shape of a flange of an embodiment according to the present application, in which (A) is a schematic side view of the flange, while (B) is a schematic front view of the flange. It is a figure and (C) is a typical sectional view of a flange.

FIG. 4 is a schematic process diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of a flange in the embodiment according to the present application.

FIG. 5 is an accuracy drawing of a developing sleeve according to a comparative example.

6 is a view for explaining centerless grinding of a sleeve tube constituting the developing sleeve shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining spray coating on a sleeve tube constituting the developing sleeve shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating a completed development sleeve of the embodiment according to the present application.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fitting part 2 Shaft part 3 Gear attachment part 12 Developing part 13 Shell 15 Developing sleeve (Developer carrier) 16 Developing blade 17 Conveying roller 18 Stirrer 19 Developer storing part 20 Developing device 100 Latent image carrier 101 Feeding mechanism 102 Recording medium 103 Transfer rotator 104 Fixing device 105 Discharge mechanism 106 Discharge tray 107 Optical unit 114 Rotation support shaft Dy Developing unit Dm Developing unit Dc Developing unit Db Developing unit 103f Gripper

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H071 BA03 DA08 2H077 AD06 AE03 BA09 EA03 EA13 EA14 FA00 FA03 FA12 FA27 GA13 3J103 AA02 AA24 AA51 AA74 AA83 EA03 FA15 FA18 GA02 GA52 GA56 HA04 HA52

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A method for producing a cylindrical developer carrier for transferring a developer carried on an outer peripheral surface to a latent image formed and carried on the latent image carrier, wherein the method is performed by an extrusion step or a drawing step. The pipe-shaped body is cut into a fixed length to form a cylindrical member, and a flange is fitted to the end of the cylindrical member. After that, the cylindrical member is subjected to a surface treatment to give the cylindrical member surface properties as a developer carrier. In the manufacturing method of the carrier, a fitting portion to the developer carrier, a rotating body-shaped shaft rotatably supported by the developing device main body, and a gear receiving a driving force from a driving force supply source are attached. The gear mounting part to be formed is formed into a flange by cold heading or cold forging, and a cutting process is performed on at least a part of the fitting part of the flange, the shaft part, and the gear mounting part, and the precision of the flange with respect to a predetermined reference plane. After making the settings, A method for manufacturing a developer carrying member, wherein the flange provided is fitted to an end of a cylindrical member. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has a D-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has an H-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. 4. A developing device for forming a latent image formed and carried on a latent image carrier into a visible image by using a developer, comprising a developer carrier produced by the production method according to claim 1. Developing device. 5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has a D-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. 6. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has an H-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. 7. A process cartridge detachably supported by a main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising a latent image carrier and a developing device according to claim 4. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has a D-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has an H-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. 10. A latent image formed and carried on a latent image carrier is formed into a visible image by a developer, the visible image is transferred to a recording medium, and an unfixed image is formed and carried on the recording medium. An image forming apparatus in which an unfixed image is fixed and recorded on a recording medium by performing a fixing process on the carried recording medium, the image forming apparatus including a latent image carrier and the developing device according to claim 4. . 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has a D-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the gear mounting portion of the flange has an H-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion of the flange. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the latent image carrier and the developing device are held in a process cartridge that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. 14. An image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of developing devices for performing a developing process using developers of different colors; each developing device is detachably supported by an axially symmetric rotary unit rotatable by the image forming apparatus main body; 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rotation of the rotary unit causes each of the developing devices to be positioned up to a developing processing position at which the developing device performs a developing process.