JP2000162870A - Developing equipment and image-forming device equipped therewith - Google Patents
Developing equipment and image-forming device equipped therewithInfo
- Publication number
- JP2000162870A JP2000162870A JP10350801A JP35080198A JP2000162870A JP 2000162870 A JP2000162870 A JP 2000162870A JP 10350801 A JP10350801 A JP 10350801A JP 35080198 A JP35080198 A JP 35080198A JP 2000162870 A JP2000162870 A JP 2000162870A
- Authority
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- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- latent image
- outer diameter
- developer
- carrier
- developer carrier
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、複写機、レーザー
ビームプリンタ等の画像形成装置であって、潜像担持体
上の静電潜像を現像剤により可視化する現像装置及びこ
の現像装置を備える画像形成装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer, which includes a developing device for visualizing an electrostatic latent image on a latent image carrier with a developer, and the developing device. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来、複写機、レーザービームプリンタ
等の画像形成装置においては、潜像担持体の表面に静電
潜像を形成し、潜像担持体上の静電潜像を現像装置によ
って現像し、その画像を転写材に転写した後に転写材上
の画像を定着装置によって定着させて画像を得ている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of a latent image carrier, and the electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier is developed by a developing device. After developing and transferring the image to a transfer material, the image on the transfer material is fixed by a fixing device to obtain an image.
【０００３】かかる画像形成装置にあっては、図５に示
すように、画像読取部１０８で原稿の画像を読み取り、
読み取られた画像データに基づいたコントローラ（図示
せず）からの指令により、感光ドラム１０１の表面に画
像書き込み部１０９から露光を行って感光ドラム１０１
上に静電潜像を形成する。尚、露光の前に、感光ドラム
１の表面が帯電器１０２により所定の電位に一様に帯電
させられており、一様に帯電させられた感光ドラム１０
１上に、画像書き込み部１０９からレーザー光等を照射
することにより、感光ドラム１０１上に静電潜像が形成
きれる。感光ドラム１０１上に形成された静電潜像は、
現像装置１０３のトナーにより現像され、その後、現像
されたトナー画像が感光ドラム１０１の回転により転写
装置１０４との対向部へ搬送される。In such an image forming apparatus, an image of a document is read by an image reading unit 108 as shown in FIG.
In response to a command from a controller (not shown) based on the read image data, the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is exposed from the image writing unit 109 and the photosensitive drum 101 is exposed.
An electrostatic latent image is formed thereon. Before the exposure, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 102, and the uniformly charged photosensitive drum 10 is charged.
By irradiating a laser beam or the like from the image writing unit 109 onto the photosensitive drum 1, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the photosensitive drum 101. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 is
After being developed by the toner of the developing device 103, the developed toner image is conveyed to a portion facing the transfer device 104 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101.
【０００４】現像されたトナー画像の搬送に対応して、
ピックアップローラ１３２により記録媒体たる用紙１３
９が用紙カセットから１枚づつ給紙されるとともに、レ
ジストローラ対１３５によってタイミングを取って感光
ドラム１０１と転写装置１０４との対向部へ搬送され
る。そして、用紙１３９が感光ドラム１０１と転写装置
１０４との対向部を通過する際に、感光ドラム１０１上
の現像されたトナー画像が転写装置１０４により用紙１
３９の上に転写される。In response to the transport of the developed toner image,
Paper 13 as a recording medium by pickup roller 132
9 are fed one by one from a paper cassette, and are conveyed to an opposing portion of the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer device 104 at a timing by a pair of registration rollers 135. When the sheet 139 passes through the opposing portion between the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer device 104, the developed toner image on the photosensitive drum 101 is transferred to the sheet 1 by the transfer device 104.
It is transferred onto 39.
【０００５】トナー画像が転写された用紙１３９は、所
定の搬送装置により定着ローラ対１０７の位置に搬送さ
れ、定着ローラ対１０７で圧接されるとともに、ローラ
ー内に設けられたヒーターにより加熱されて、用紙１３
９上のトナーが用紙１３９に溶融定着させられる。その
後、トナー画像が定着させられた用紙１３９は、排紙ロ
ーラ１１１により装置本体外部のトレー１１５に収納さ
れ一連の画像形成プロセスが終了する。The paper 139 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a position of the fixing roller pair 107 by a predetermined conveying device, pressed by the fixing roller pair 107, and heated by a heater provided in the roller. Paper 13
9 is melted and fixed on the paper 139. Thereafter, the sheet 139 on which the toner image is fixed is stored in the tray 115 outside the apparatus main body by the sheet discharging roller 111, and a series of image forming processes is completed.
【０００６】上記画像プロセスにおいて、感光ドラム１
０１上の静電潜像を現像する現像装置１０３には、感光
ドラム１０１と対向する位置に現像スリーブ１１２が設
けられており、現像スリーブ１１２の表面に現像装置内
のトナーが均一の厚さに薄層を形成して担持されてお
り、現像スリーブ１１２の回転に伴って感光ドラム１０
１と現像スリーブ１１２との対向する現像領域へ搬送さ
れ、現像領域において現像スリーブ１１２上のトナーが
感光ドラム１０１の表面へ移動する、周知の静電潜像技
術により静電潜像が現像される。In the above image process, the photosensitive drum 1
A developing sleeve 112 is provided at a position facing the photosensitive drum 101 in the developing device 103 for developing the electrostatic latent image on the developing device 01. The toner in the developing device has a uniform thickness on the surface of the developing sleeve 112. The photosensitive drum 10 is supported in the form of a thin layer,
1 is transported to a developing area opposed to the developing sleeve 112, and the toner on the developing sleeve 112 moves to the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 in the developing area, whereby the electrostatic latent image is developed by a known electrostatic latent image technique. .
【０００７】ところで、感光ドラム１０１及び現像スリ
ーブ１１２は、両者の間の微少なギャップであるＳＤギ
ャップを一定に保持して配置されることにより、所定の
現象を行うことができるようになっている。このＳＤギ
ャップが変動すると、画像の濃度ムラ等の画像形成不良
が発生する。By the way, the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing sleeve 112 can perform a predetermined phenomenon by arranging them while keeping the SD gap, which is a minute gap between them, constant. . When the SD gap fluctuates, image formation defects such as uneven image density occur.
【０００８】上記ＳＤギャップは、図６と図７に示すよ
うに、現像スリーブ１１２の両端に、その外周が感光ド
ラムの外周と当接する２つの突き当て部材たる突き当て
コロ１２０をベアリングを介して設けることにより保障
している。２つの突き当てコロ１２０は、断面略円形
で、その回転中心が現像スリーブ１１２の回転中心と同
心となるように配置されているとともに、突き当てコロ
１２０の外経が現像スリーブ１１２の外径よりもＳＤギ
ャップの分だけ大きく形成されており、突き当てコロ１
２０を感光ドラム１０１の外周に当接させることによ
り、所定のＳＤギャップを保って感光ドラム１０１と現
像スリーブ１１２とが配置されるようになっている。
又、突き当てコロ１２０は、ベアリングを介して設けら
れているので、突き当てコロ１２０は、当接している感
光ドラム１０１に伴って回転し、ベアリングの内周が現
像スリーブ１１２に伴って回転するようになっている。As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the SD gap is provided at both ends of the developing sleeve 112 with a pair of abutting rollers 120, which are two abutting members whose outer circumferences are in contact with the outer circumference of the photosensitive drum, via bearings. We guarantee by providing. The two abutting rollers 120 have a substantially circular cross section and are arranged so that the center of rotation is concentric with the center of rotation of the developing sleeve 112, and the outer diameter of the abutting roller 120 is smaller than the outer diameter of the developing sleeve 112. Are formed as large as the SD gap.
The photosensitive drum 101 and the developing sleeve 112 are arranged so that a predetermined SD gap is maintained by bringing the photosensitive drum 20 into contact with the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 101.
Further, since the abutting roller 120 is provided via a bearing, the abutting roller 120 rotates with the photosensitive drum 101 with which the abutting roller 120 contacts, and the inner periphery of the bearing rotates with the developing sleeve 112. It has become.
【０００９】図７に示すように、現像スリーブ１１２
は、突き当てコロ１２０の内側の両端が現像装置１０３
の現像容器１２２にベアリング１２１を介して回転可能
に保持されているとともに、現像スリーブ１１２の一端
に現像スリーブ１１２に回転の駆動力を与える駆動ギア
たるギア１２３が設けられている。[0009] As shown in FIG.
Are both ends inside the abutting roller 120
The developing sleeve 122 is rotatably held via a bearing 121, and at one end of the developing sleeve 112 is provided a gear 123 as a driving gear for applying a rotational driving force to the developing sleeve 112.
【００１０】又、感光ドラム１０１は、その寸法精度
上、回転時に振れが生じるため、単に突き当てコロ１２
０を感光ドラム１０１の表面に当接させた状態では、現
像装置１０３を固定してしまうと感光ドラム１０１の回
転を阻害する虞がある。このため、感光ドラム１０１の
振れを吸収するために、現像装置１０３の現像容器１２
２をばね等の弾性部材を介して感光ドラム１０１の方向
に押し付けることにより、感光ドラム１０１の振れを弾
性部材の弾性力で吸収する構成が採られている。すなわ
ち、現像スリーブ１１２が感光ドラム１０１の振れに応
じて動くことで、常にＳＤギャップを一定に保持できる
ようにしている。Further, the photosensitive drum 101 has a run-out during rotation due to its dimensional accuracy.
When the developing device 103 is fixed in a state where the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 101, the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101 may be hindered. Therefore, in order to absorb the shake of the photosensitive drum 101, the developing container 12 of the developing device 103 is used.
2 is pressed in the direction of the photosensitive drum 101 via an elastic member such as a spring, so that the vibration of the photosensitive drum 101 is absorbed by the elastic force of the elastic member. That is, by moving the developing sleeve 112 according to the shake of the photosensitive drum 101, the SD gap can always be kept constant.
【００１１】具体的には、現像容器１２２の後方にバネ
１１８の基端を取り付けるとともに、バネ１１８の先端
を画像形成装置本体に設けられた固定版１１９に支持さ
せることにより、水平な力で現像装置１０３を感光ドラ
ム１０１方向に押し付けるようにしている。尚、現像容
器１２２は、現像装置１０３の着脱時のガイドと所定の
動作位置を規制するガイド部材１１３，１１４，１１
６,１１７により保持されており、現像スリーブ１１２
の使用により現像スリーブの交換が必要なときなどに、
図６の矢印Ａ方向（本体外部へ向かう方向）と矢印Ｂ方
向（感光ドラムへ突き当ててセットする方向）とにスラ
イドさせて現像装置１０３を着脱できるようになってい
る。More specifically, by attaching a base end of a spring 118 to the rear of the developing container 122 and supporting a distal end of the spring 118 on a fixed plate 119 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, development is performed with a horizontal force. The device 103 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 101. The developing container 122 includes guides for attaching and detaching the developing device 103 and guide members 113, 114, and 11 for regulating a predetermined operation position.
6, 117, the developing sleeve 112
When it is necessary to replace the developing sleeve due to the use of
The developing device 103 can be attached and detached by sliding in a direction indicated by an arrow A (a direction toward the outside of the main body) and a direction indicated by an arrow B (a direction in which the photosensitive drum is set against the photosensitive drum) in FIG.
【００１２】図８に、バネ１１８により現像装置１０３
を感光ドラム１０１方向に押し付けたときの力の関係を
表したモーメント図を示す。図８に示すように、感光ド
ラム１０１と突き当てコロ１２０とが接点Ｓで接してい
るとすると、バネ１１８が現像容器１２２を押す水平方
向の力Ｆにより、Ｓ点では、力Ｆが、現像スリーブ１１
２の回転中心から感光ドラム１０１の回転中心へ向かう
方向の力Ｆ1と、Ｆ1の接線方向の力Ｆ2に分けられる。
このとき、感光ドラム１０１へ現像スリーブ１１２を押
し付ける方向としては、現像スリーブ１１２の回転中心
から感光ドラム１０１の回転中心へ向かう方向の力Ｆ1
だけが作用している。FIG. 8 shows that the developing device 103 is
FIG. 5 is a moment diagram showing a relationship of a force when the image is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 101. As shown in FIG. 8, when the photosensitive drum 101 and the abutting roller 120 are in contact with each other at a contact point S, the spring F pushes the developing container 122 in the horizontal direction. Sleeve 11
2 from the rotation center to the direction of the force F 1 directed to the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 101 is divided into tangential force F 2 of F 1.
At this time, the direction in which the developing sleeve 112 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 101 is a force F 1 in the direction from the rotation center of the developing sleeve 112 to the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 101.
Only works.
【００１３】[0013]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記の
従来例においては、突き当てコロの押し付け方向が、現
像容器のスライド方向である水平方向であるため、押し
付け力の現像スリーブの回転中心から感光ドラムの回転
中心へ向かう方向の力Ｆ1と、その接線方向の力Ｆ2とが
生じているために、接線方向のカＦ2が突き当てコロを
押し上げる方向に動かそうとして所定のＳＤギャップを
維持できない虞があった。又、接線方向の力Ｆ2により
押し上げられた突き当てコロには、現像容器の歪みや容
器の自重により元の位置に戻ろうとする力が働き、その
結果、突き当てコロが上下のガイド部材１１３，１１４
の間で上下に振動することとなる。この振動が、ＳＤギ
ャップの変動につながり、画像に濃度ムラが発生して画
像不良を引き起こす虞があった。更に、突き当てコロの
振動が感光ドラムや画像の読込・書込部等を振動させ
て、感光ドラム上に形成される画像のピッチムラ等が生
じて画像に悪影響を与える虞があった。However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the pressing direction of the abutting roller is the horizontal direction which is the sliding direction of the developing container, the photosensitive drum is pressed from the rotation center of the developing sleeve by the pressing force. maintaining the direction of the force F 1 directed to the center of rotation, to a force F 2 in the tangential direction occurs, a predetermined SD gap as attempting to move in a direction to push up the tangential mosquito F 2 is abutting rollers of There was a possibility that it could not be done. Further, the abutting rollers pushed up by the tangential force F 2, acts a force of returning to its original position by the weight of the distortion and the container of the developing container, as a result, abutting rollers are upper and lower guide members 113 , 114
It vibrates up and down between. This vibration leads to a change in the SD gap, which may cause unevenness in the density of the image and cause an image defect. Furthermore, the vibration of the abutting roller vibrates the photosensitive drum, the image reading / writing unit, and the like, so that there is a possibility that the image formed on the photosensitive drum may have a non-uniform pitch, which may adversely affect the image.
【００１４】又、これらを解決するにあたり、装置の構
成スペースが従来機種と比べて同等でなければならな
い。In order to solve these problems, the configuration space of the apparatus must be equal to that of the conventional model.
【００１５】そこで、本発明は、装置の構成するための
空間を従来に比し増大させることなく、濃度ムラやピッ
チムラを防止し良好な画像を得ることのできる現像装置
及びこの現像装置を備える画像形成装置の提供を目的と
する。Accordingly, the present invention provides a developing device capable of preventing density unevenness and pitch unevenness and obtaining a good image without increasing a space for configuring the device as compared with the related art, and an image provided with the developing device. It is intended to provide a forming apparatus.
【００１６】[0016]
【課題を解決するための手段】本出願によれば、上記目
的は、潜像を担持する潜像担持体に現像剤担持体を対向
させ現像剤を付与することにより該潜像を可視画像とす
る現像装置であって、現像剤を担持する回転自在な現像
剤担持体と、現像剤担持体の軸線と同一軸線上に位置し
現像剤担持体に回転自在に接続され潜像担持体と当接し
て現像剤担持体と潜像担持体との距離を一定に保つため
の突き当て部材と、現像剤担持体の軸線と同一軸線上に
位置し現像剤担持体に接続され潜像担持体へ向けて加圧
される加圧部材とを有する現像装置において、加圧部材
の外径が突き当て部材の外径よりも小さく採られている
という第一の発明によって達成される。According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by applying a developer to a latent image carrier which bears a latent image and applying a developer to the latent image carrier to apply the latent image to a visible image. A rotatable developer carrier for carrying a developer, and a latent image carrier rotatably connected to the developer carrier and positioned on the same axis as the axis of the developer carrier. An abutting member for keeping the distance between the developer carrier and the latent image carrier in contact therewith; and a collapsible member positioned on the same axis as the axis of the developer carrier and connected to the developer carrier to the latent image carrier. This is achieved by the first invention in which the outer diameter of the pressing member is smaller than the outer diameter of the abutment member.
【００１７】又、本出願によれば、上記目的は、第一の
発明において、突き当て部材は、現像剤担持体の外径よ
り若干大きい外径をもつ断面略円形の突き当てコロであ
るという第二の発明によっても達成される。Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the first aspect, in which the abutting member is an abutting roller having an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the developer carrier and having a substantially circular cross section. This is also achieved by the second invention.
【００１８】更に、本出願によれば、上記目的は、第一
の発明又は第二の発明において、加圧部材は、潜像担持
体の軸線と現像剤担持体の軸線とを結ぶ平面と平行な面
に当接する断面略円形の加圧コロであるという第三の発
明によっても達成される。Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved in the first invention or the second invention, wherein the pressing member is parallel to a plane connecting the axis of the latent image carrier and the axis of the developer carrier. The present invention is also achieved by the third invention in which the pressing roller has a substantially circular cross-section and abuts against the surface.
【００１９】又、本出願によれば、上記目的は、潜像を
担持する潜像担持体に現像剤担持体を対向させ現像剤を
付与することにより該潜像を可視画像とする現像装置で
あって、現像剤を担持する回転自在な現像剤担持体と、
現像剤担持体の軸線と同一軸線上に位置し現像剤担持体
に回転自在に接続され潜像担持体と当接して現像剤担持
体と潜像担持体との距離を一定に保つための突き当て部
材と、現像剤担持体の軸線と同一軸線軸線上に位置し現
像剤担持体に接続され潜像担持体へ向けて加圧される加
圧部材と、現像剤担持体の軸線と同一軸線上に位置し現
像剤担持体に接続され現像剤担持体を回転駆動させるた
めの駆動ギアとを有する現像装置において、加圧部材の
外径が突き当て部材の外径よりも小さく採られ、且つ、
駆動ギアの外形が加圧部材の外径より小さく採られてい
るという第四の発明によっても達成される。Further, according to the present application, the above object is to provide a developing apparatus for converting a latent image into a visible image by applying a developer with a developer carrier facing a latent image carrier carrying a latent image. A rotatable developer carrier for carrying the developer,
A protrusion which is located on the same axis as the axis of the developer carrier, is rotatably connected to the developer carrier, abuts on the latent image carrier, and keeps a constant distance between the developer carrier and the latent image carrier. A contact member, a pressing member that is located on the same axis as the axis of the developer carrying member, is connected to the developer carrying member, and is pressed toward the latent image carrying member, and has the same axis as the axis of the developer carrying member. In a developing device having a drive gear positioned on the line and connected to the developer carrier and configured to rotationally drive the developer carrier, the outer diameter of the pressing member is smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member, and ,
This is also achieved by the fourth invention in which the outer shape of the drive gear is smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member.
【００２０】更に、本出願によれば、上記目的は、第四
の発明において、突き当て部材は、現像剤担持体の外径
より若干大きい外径をもつ断面略円形の突き当てコロで
あるという第五の発明によっても達成される。Further, according to the present application, the above object is attained in the fourth aspect, in which the abutting member is an abutting roller having an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the developer carrier and having a substantially circular cross section. This is also achieved by the fifth invention.
【００２１】又、本出願によれば、上記目的は、第四の
発明又は第五の発明において、加圧部材は、潜像担持体
の軸線と現像剤担持体の軸線とを結ぶ平面と平行な面に
当接する断面略円形の加圧コロであるという第六の発明
によっても達成される。According to the present application, the above object is achieved according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the pressing member is parallel to a plane connecting the axis of the latent image carrier and the axis of the developer carrier. The present invention is also achieved by the sixth invention in which the pressing roller has a substantially circular cross-section and abuts against the surface.
【００２２】更に、本出願によれば、上記目的は、潜像
を担持する潜像担持体に現像剤担持体を対向させ現像剤
を付与することにより該潜像を可視画像とした後、該可
視画像を記録媒体に記録せしめる画像形成装置であっ
て、第一の発明の現像装置を備えるという第七の発明に
よっても達成される。Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved by forming a latent image into a visible image by applying a developer with a developer carrier facing a latent image carrier carrying a latent image. An image forming apparatus for recording a visible image on a recording medium, which is also achieved by a seventh invention including the developing device of the first invention.
【００２３】又、本出願によれば、上記目的は、第七の
発明において、突き当て部材は、現像剤担持体の外径よ
り若干大きい外径をもつ断面略円形の突き当てコロであ
るという第八の発明によっても達成される。According to the present application, the above object is achieved according to the seventh aspect, wherein the abutting member is an abutting roller having an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the developer carrying member and having a substantially circular cross section. This is also achieved by the eighth invention.
【００２４】更に、本出願によれば、上記目的は、第七
の発明又は第八の発明において、加圧部材は、潜像担持
体の軸線と現像剤担持体の軸線とを結ぶ平面と平行な面
に当接する断面略円形の加圧コロであるという第九の発
明によっても達成される。Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the pressing member is parallel to a plane connecting the axis of the latent image carrier and the axis of the developer carrier. The present invention is also attained by the ninth invention in which the pressing roller has a substantially circular cross section in contact with an appropriate surface.
【００２５】又、本出願によれば、上記目的は、潜像を
担持する潜像担持体に現像剤担持体を対向させ現像剤を
付与することにより該潜像を可視画像とした後、該可視
画像を記録媒体に記録せしめる画像形成装置であって、
第四の発明の現像装置を備えるという第十の発明によっ
ても達成される。Further, according to the present application, the above object is achieved by forming a latent image into a visible image by applying a developer with a developer carrying member facing a latent image carrying member carrying a latent image. An image forming apparatus that records a visible image on a recording medium,
The present invention is also achieved by a tenth invention including the developing device of the fourth invention.
【００２６】更に、本出願によれば、上記目的は、第十
の発明において、突き当て部材は、現像剤担持体の外径
より若干大きい外径をもつ断面略円形の突き当てコロで
あるという第十一の発明によっても達成される。Further, according to the present application, the above object is attained in the tenth invention in that the abutting member is an abutting roller having an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the developer carrier and having a substantially circular cross section. This is also achieved by the eleventh invention.
【００２７】又、本出願によれば、上記目的は、第十の
発明又は第十一の発明において、加圧部材は、潜像担持
体の軸線と現像剤担持体の軸線とを結ぶ平面と平行な面
に当接する断面略円形の加圧コロであるという第十二の
発明によっても達成される。According to the present application, the above object is achieved according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, in which the pressing member is formed by a plane connecting the axis of the latent image carrier and the axis of the developer carrier. The invention is also achieved by a twelfth invention in which the pressing roller has a substantially circular cross section in contact with a parallel surface.
【００２８】すなわち、本出願にかかる第一の発明にあ
っては、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材
が、現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧する。That is, in the first invention according to the present application, a pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member presses the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier.
【００２９】又、本出願にかかる第二の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧する。In the second invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed against the latent image carrier.
【００３０】更に、本出願にかかる第三の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧する。Further, in the third invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the butting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed against the latent image carrier.
【００３１】又、本出願にかかる第四の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加
圧部材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持
体を回転駆動させる。In the fourth invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the butting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed toward the latent image carrier, and a drive gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member rotates the developer carrier.
【００３２】更に、本出願にかかる第五の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加
圧部材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持
体を回転駆動させる。Further, in the fifth invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the butting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed toward the latent image carrier, and a drive gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member rotates the developer carrier.
【００３３】又、本出願にかかる第六の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加
圧部材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持
体を回転駆動させる。In the sixth invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the butting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed toward the latent image carrier, and a drive gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member rotates the developer carrier.
【００３４】更に、本出願にかかる第七の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧する。Further, in the seventh invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the butting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed against the latent image carrier.
【００３５】又、本出願にかかる第八の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧する。In the eighth invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutment member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed against the latent image carrier.
【００３６】更に、本出願にかかる九の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧する。Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed against the latent image carrier.
【００３７】又、本出願にかかる第十の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加
圧部材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持
体を回転駆動させる。In the tenth aspect of the present invention, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed toward the latent image carrier, and a drive gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member rotates the developer carrier.
【００３８】更に、本出願にかかる第十一の発明にあっ
ては、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材
が、現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共
に、加圧部材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像
剤担持体を回転駆動させる。Further, in the eleventh invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member presses the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier, and A drive gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member drives the developer carrier to rotate.
【００３９】又、本出願にかかる第十二の発明にあって
は、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加
圧部材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持
体を回転駆動させる。In the twelfth invention according to the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed toward the latent image carrier, and a drive gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member rotates the developer carrier.
【００４０】[0040]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を添付
図面の図１乃至図４に基づいて説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
【００４１】図１は、本実施形態にかかる画像形成装置
の概略構成を示す模式的断面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
【００４２】本実施形態にかかる画像形成装置として
は、図１に示すように、画像読取部８で原稿の画像を読
み取り、読み取られた画像データに基づいたコントロー
ラ（図示せず）からの指令により、潜像担持体たる感光
ドラム１の表面に画像書き込み部９から露光を行って感
光ドラム１上に静電潜像を形成する。尚、露光の前に、
感光ドラム１の表面が帯電器２により所定の電位に一様
に帯電させられており、一様に帯電させられた感光ドラ
ム１上に、画像書き込み部９からレーザー光等を照射す
ることにより、感光ドラム１上に静電潜像が形成きれ
る。感光ドラム１上に形成された静電潜像は、現像装置
３によって現像剤たるトナーが付与されることにより現
像され、その後、現像されたトナー画像が感光ドラム１
の回転により転写装置４との対向部へ搬送される。As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment reads an image of a document by an image reading section 8 and issues a command from a controller (not shown) based on the read image data. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 serving as a latent image carrier is exposed from the image writing unit 9 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1. Before exposure,
The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 2. By irradiating the uniformly charged photosensitive drum 1 with laser light or the like from the image writing unit 9, An electrostatic latent image can be formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by applying toner as a developer by the developing device 3, and then the developed toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.
Is transported to a portion facing the transfer device 4 by the rotation of.
【００４３】現像されたトナー画像の搬送に対応して、
ピックアップローラ３２により記録媒体たる用紙３９が
用紙カセットから１枚づつ給紙されるとともに、レジス
トローラ対３５によってタイミングを取って感光ドラム
１と転写装置４との対向部へ搬送される。そして、用紙
３９が感光ドラム１と転写装置４との対向部を通過する
際に、感光ドラム１上の現像されたトナー画像が転写装
置４により用紙３９の上に転写される。In response to the transport of the developed toner image,
A sheet 39 as a recording medium is fed one by one from a sheet cassette by a pickup roller 32, and is conveyed to an opposing portion between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer device 4 at a timing by a pair of registration rollers 35. Then, when the paper 39 passes through the opposing portion between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer device 4, the developed toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred onto the paper 39 by the transfer device 4.
【００４４】トナー画像が転写された用紙３９は、所定
の搬送装置により定着ローラ対７の位置に搬送され、定
着ローラ対７で圧接されるとともに、定着ローラ内に設
けられたヒーター（図示せず）により加熱されて、用紙
３９上のトナーが用紙３９に溶融定着させられる。その
後、トナー画像が定着させられた用紙３９は、排紙ロー
ラ１１により装置本体外部のトレー１５に収納され一連
の画像形成プロセスが終了する。The paper 39 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a position of the fixing roller pair 7 by a predetermined conveying device, pressed by the fixing roller pair 7, and provided with a heater (not shown) provided in the fixing roller. ), The toner on the paper 39 is fused and fixed to the paper 39. Thereafter, the paper 39 on which the toner image is fixed is stored in the tray 15 outside the apparatus main body by the paper discharge roller 11, and a series of image forming processes is completed.
【００４５】図２に、本実施形態の画像形成装置の現像
口一ラの加圧手段付近を表す側面説明図を示す。又、図
３は、図２を上方から見た場合の平面説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory side view showing the vicinity of the pressure means of the developing port of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory plan view when FIG. 2 is viewed from above.
【００４６】図２及び図３に示すように、表面に静電潜
像が形成される潜像担持体である感光ドラム１と対向す
るように現像装置３が配置され、現像装置３の現像容器
２２の感光ドラム１と対向する位置に、トナーを担持、
搬送する現像剤担持体である現像スリーブ１２が配置さ
れている。又、現像スリーブ１２の両端には、現像スリ
ーブ１２の回転軸と同心となるように２つの加圧部材た
る加圧コロ４０が設けられているとともに、２つの加圧
コロ４０のそれぞれに、現像スリーブ１２の回転中心と
感光ドラム１の回転中心とを結ぶ直線Ｌと平行な面を有
し、その直線Ｌと平行な面が加圧コロ４０の外周に当接
するようにして配置された一対の加圧コロ４０の規制部
材４１ａ，４１ｂが設けられて、加圧コロ４０が直線Ｌ
に沿った方向にのみ移動するようになっている。As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a developing device 3 is arranged so as to face a photosensitive drum 1 which is a latent image carrier having an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface thereof. The toner is carried at a position opposite to the photosensitive drum 1 at 22.
A developing sleeve 12, which is a developer carrying member to be conveyed, is provided. At both ends of the developing sleeve 12, two pressing rollers 40 are provided so as to be concentric with the rotation axis of the developing sleeve 12. A pair of planes having a surface parallel to a straight line L connecting the center of rotation of the sleeve 12 and the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1, and a plane parallel to the straight line L is arranged to contact the outer periphery of the pressure roller 40. The regulating members 41a and 41b of the pressing roller 40 are provided, and the pressing roller 40
It moves only in the direction along.
【００４７】更に、画像形成装置本体に固定されて現像
装置３の現像容器２２の両側を保持できる２枚の加圧プ
レート４６と、加圧プレート４６に回転可能に支持され
て、バネなどの弾部材により加圧コロ４０を直線Ｌに沿
った感光ドラム１側に加圧できる加圧部である加圧アー
ム４３とからなる加圧手段４２が設けられて、加圧コロ
４０を介して現像スリーブ１２の両端が加圧手段４２に
より感光ドラム１方向にのみ押し付けできるようになっ
ている。Further, two pressing plates 46 fixed to the image forming apparatus main body and capable of holding both sides of the developing container 22 of the developing device 3, and are rotatably supported by the pressing plate 46, and are provided with springs or the like. A pressurizing means 42 comprising a pressurizing arm 43 which is a pressurizing unit capable of pressing the pressurizing roller 40 toward the photosensitive drum 1 along the straight line L by a member is provided. 12 can be pressed only in the direction of the photosensitive drum 1 by the pressing means 42.
【００４８】尚、現像スリーブ１２の両端には、断面略
円形に形成されてその回転中心が現像スリーブ１２の回
転中心と同心となるように配置されるとともに、現像ス
リーブ１２の外径よりもＳＤギャップの分だけ大きく形
成された２つの突き当て部材たる突き当てコロ２０が設
けられており、突き当てコロ２０の外周を感光ドラム１
の外周に当接させることにより、所定のＳＤギャップを
保って感光ドラムｌと現像スリーブ１２とが配置される
ようになっている。又、２つの突き当てコロ２０は、現
像スリーブ１２にベアリングを介して設けられて、感光
ドラム１と現像スリーブ１２との両者の回転を妨げない
ようになっている。It should be noted that both ends of the developing sleeve 12 are formed so as to have a substantially circular cross section, the center of rotation of which is arranged concentrically with the center of rotation of the developing sleeve 12, and the outer diameter of the developing sleeve 12 is smaller than the outer diameter of the developing sleeve 12. An abutting roller 20, which is two abutting members formed so as to be larger by the gap, is provided.
The photosensitive drum 1 and the developing sleeve 12 are arranged so as to keep a predetermined SD gap by contacting the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 1. The two abutting rollers 20 are provided on the developing sleeve 12 via bearings so as not to hinder the rotation of both the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing sleeve 12.
【００４９】現像スリーブ１２の両端に設けられた２つ
の加圧コロ４０は、現像スリーブ１２の各突き当てコロ
２０よりも現像スリーブ１２の軸方向に沿った外側の端
部に設けられており、突さ当てコロ２０よりも小径の断
面略円形に形成され、その回転中心が現像スリーブ１２
の回転中心と同心となるように配置される。又、２つの
加圧コロ４０は、現像スリーブ１２にベアリングを介し
て設けられて、感光ドラム１と現像スリーブ１２の両者
の回転を妨げないようになっている。The two pressure rollers 40 provided at both ends of the developing sleeve 12 are provided at outer ends along the axial direction of the developing sleeve 12 than the respective abutting rollers 20 of the developing sleeve 12. The cross-section of the developing sleeve 12 is smaller than that of the abutment roller 20 and has a substantially circular cross section.
It is arranged so as to be concentric with the rotation center of. The two pressure rollers 40 are provided on the developing sleeve 12 via bearings so as not to hinder the rotation of both the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing sleeve 12.
【００５０】図３の平面図からもわかるように、感光ド
ラム１の両端に突き当てコロ２０が突き当てられて、Ｓ
Ｄギャップを保障している。尚、突き当てコロ２０が突
き当たる位置は、従来と同様、感光ドラムの長手方向両
端部である。As can be seen from the plan view of FIG. 3, the abutting rollers 20 abut against both ends of the photosensitive drum 1, and
D gap is guaranteed. The positions where the abutting rollers 20 abut are at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum as in the related art.
【００５１】従って、本発明にかかる加圧コロ４０を現
像スリーブ１２と同軸上に設けるためには、加圧コロの
外径の大きさが突き当てコロの外形の大きさより小さく
することが省スペース化に有効である。Accordingly, in order to provide the pressure roller 40 according to the present invention coaxially with the developing sleeve 12, it is necessary to make the outer diameter of the pressure roller smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting roller to save space. It is effective for conversion.
【００５２】仮に、加圧コロの外径を突き当てコロの外
径より大きくすると、感光ドラムの長手方向端部より十
分外側に加圧コロを現像スリーブの同軸上に配置しなけ
ればならない。If the outer diameter of the pressure roller is made larger than the outer diameter of the abutting roller, the pressure roller must be disposed coaxially with the developing sleeve sufficiently outside the longitudinal end of the photosensitive drum.
【００５３】そのため、現像スリーブの端部のフランジ
の軸を長くする必要があり、更に、本体の枠体の大きさ
までも変更が必要となる。Therefore, it is necessary to lengthen the axis of the flange at the end of the developing sleeve, and it is necessary to change the size of the frame of the main body.
【００５４】このことから、加圧コロの外径を突き当て
コロの外径より小さくすることにより省スペース化を図
ることができる。From this, it is possible to save space by making the outer diameter of the pressure roller smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting roller.
【００５５】ところで、現像スリーブを回転駆動するた
めの駆動ギアは、現像スリーブ端部のフランジの軸体に
取り付けられており、その位置は加圧コロよりも外側に
位置している。A driving gear for rotating the developing sleeve is mounted on a shaft of a flange at the end of the developing sleeve, and is located outside the pressure roller.
【００５６】図４は、現像装置を図３の右側から見た構
成説明図であり、駆動ギア２３と規制部材４１ａ，４１
ｂ及び加圧コロ４０との関係を示している。FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the structure of the developing device as viewed from the right side of FIG. 3, and shows the drive gear 23 and the regulating members 41a, 41.
4 shows the relationship between the pressure roller b and the pressure roller 40.
【００５７】加圧コロ４０が規制部材４１ａ，４１ｂに
規制される。駆動ギア２３は加圧コロ４０より外側にあ
るため、図４に示すように規制部材４１ａ，４１ｂの内
側にある。そのため、駆動ギア２３の外径は規制部材４
１ａ，４１ｂと干渉しないために、加圧コロ４０より小
さくする必要があり、駆動ギア２３の外径は加圧コロ４
０の外径より小さく採られている。The pressing roller 40 is regulated by regulating members 41a and 41b. Since the drive gear 23 is outside the pressure roller 40, it is inside the regulating members 41a and 41b as shown in FIG. Therefore, the outer diameter of the drive gear 23 is
In order not to interfere with the pressure rollers 1a and 41b, it is necessary to make the pressure roller 40 smaller than the pressure roller 40.
It is smaller than the outer diameter of 0.
【００５８】以上のことから、本発明は次の関係式の如
く示される。（突き当てコロの外径）＞（加圧コロの外
径）＞（駆動ギアの外径）この関係式を満たす構成にす
ることにより、従来と同等のスペースで高画質化を図る
ことができる。From the above, the present invention is represented by the following relational expression. (Outer diameter of abutting roller)> (Outer diameter of pressure roller)> (Outer diameter of drive gear) By adopting a configuration that satisfies this relational expression, high image quality can be achieved in the same space as in the related art. .
【００５９】よって、本実施形態によれば、突き当てコ
ロ２０の外径より外径の小さい加圧コロ４０が、現像ス
リーブ１２を感光ドラム１に向けて加圧すると共に、加
圧コロ４０の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギア２３が、現
像スリーブ１２を回転駆動させるようになっているの
で、加圧コロ４０が感光ドラム１の回転を妨げることな
く加圧コロ４０を突き当てコロ２０に近接して配設で
き、又、加圧コロ４０の位置を規制するための部材等に
干渉することなく駆動ギア２３を加圧コロ４０と近接し
て配設でき、突き当てコロ２０、加圧コロ４０、駆動ギ
ア２３を構成するための空間を増大させることなく、感
光ドラム１と現像スリーブ１２との間隔保持が確実に行
なわれ、濃度ムラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止するこ
とができる。Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the pressing roller 40 having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting roller 20 presses the developing sleeve 12 toward the photosensitive drum 1 and the outer side of the pressing roller 40. Since the drive gear 23 having an outer diameter smaller than the diameter drives the developing sleeve 12 to rotate, the pressing roller 40 collides with the pressing roller 40 without blocking the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 and comes close to the roller 20. The drive gear 23 can be disposed in close proximity to the pressure roller 40 without interfering with a member or the like for regulating the position of the pressure roller 40. 40, the space between the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing sleeve 12 is reliably maintained without increasing the space for configuring the drive gear 23, and adverse effects such as density unevenness and pitch unevenness can be prevented.
【００６０】[0060]
【発明の効果】以上にて説明したように、本出願にかか
る第一の発明によれば、突き当て部材の外径より外径の
小さい加圧部材が、現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて
加圧するようになっているので、加圧部材が潜像担持体
の回転を妨げることなく加圧部材を突き当て部材に近接
して配設でき、突き当て部材、加圧部材を構成するため
の空間を増大させることなく、潜像担持体と現像剤担持
体との間隔保持が確実に行なわれ、濃度ムラやピッチム
ラ等の悪影響を防止することができる。As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member allows the developer holding member to move the developer holding member to the latent image holding member. , So that the pressing member can be disposed close to the abutting member without hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, and the abutting member and the pressing member are configured. The space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier can be reliably maintained without increasing the space for performing the operation, and adverse effects such as density unevenness and pitch unevenness can be prevented.
【００６１】又、本出願にかかる第二の発明によれば、
突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、現像
剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧するようになってい
るので、加圧部材が潜像担持体の回転を妨げることなく
加圧部材を突き当て部材に近接して配設でき、突き当て
部材、加圧部材を構成するための空間を増大させること
なく、潜像担持体と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確実に
行なわれ、濃度ムラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止する
ことができる。According to the second invention of the present application,
Since the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member presses the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier, the pressing member prevents rotation of the latent image carrier. The pressure member can be disposed close to the abutment member without any space, and the space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier can be reliably maintained without increasing the space for forming the abutment member and the pressure member. This can prevent adverse effects such as density unevenness and pitch unevenness.
【００６２】更に、本出願にかかる第三の発明によれ
ば、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧するようになっ
ているので、加圧部材が潜像担持体の回転を妨げること
なく加圧部材を突き当て部材に近接して配設でき、突き
当て部材、加圧部材を構成するための空間を増大させる
ことなく、潜像担持体と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確
実に行なわれ、濃度ムラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止
することができる。Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member is provided.
Since the developer carrier is pressed against the latent image carrier, the pressure member can be disposed close to the abutting member without the pressure member hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, The space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier is reliably maintained without increasing the space for forming the abutting member and the pressing member, and the adverse effects such as density unevenness and pitch unevenness can be prevented. it can.
【００６３】又、本出願にかかる第四の発明によれば、
突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、現像
剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加圧部
材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持体を
回転駆動させるようになっているので、加圧部材が潜像
担持体の回転を妨げることなく加圧部材を突き当て部材
に近接して配設でき、又、加圧部材の位置を規制するた
めの部材等に干渉することなく駆動ギアを加圧部材と近
接して配設でき、突き当て部材、加圧部材、駆動ギアを
構成するための空間を増大させることなく、潜像担持体
と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確実に行なわれ、濃度ム
ラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止することができる。According to the fourth invention of the present application,
A pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member presses the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier, and a driving gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member carries the developer carrying member. Since the body is driven to rotate, the pressing member can be disposed close to the abutting member without hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, and the position of the pressing member is regulated. The driving gear can be arranged in close proximity to the pressing member without interfering with the member for performing the driving, and the latent image carrier can be provided without increasing the space for forming the abutting member, the pressing member, and the driving gear. The distance between the developer and the developer carrying member is reliably maintained, and adverse effects such as uneven density and uneven pitch can be prevented.
【００６４】更に、本出願にかかる第五の発明によれ
ば、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加
圧部材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持
体を回転駆動させるようになっているので、加圧部材が
潜像担持体の回転を妨げることなく加圧部材を突き当て
部材に近接して配設でき、又、加圧部材の位置を規制す
るための部材等に干渉することなく駆動ギアを加圧部材
と近接して配設でき、突き当て部材、加圧部材、駆動ギ
アを構成するための空間を増大させることなく、潜像担
持体と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確実に行なわれ、濃
度ムラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止することができ
る。Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed toward the latent image carrier, and a drive gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member is configured to rotate the developer carrier, so that the pressing member is The pressing member can be disposed close to the abutting member without hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, and the driving gear can be moved without interfering with a member for regulating the position of the pressing member. The space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier is reliably maintained without increasing the space for forming the abutting member, the pressure member, and the driving gear, and the density is increased. An adverse effect such as unevenness and pitch unevenness can be prevented.
【００６５】又、本出願にかかる六の発明によれば、突
き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、現像剤
担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加圧部材
の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持体を回
転駆動させるようになっているので、加圧部材が潜像担
持体の回転を妨げることなく加圧部材を突き当て部材に
近接して配設でき、又、加圧部材の位置を規制するため
の部材等に干渉することなく駆動ギアを加圧部材と近接
して配設でき、突き当て部材、加圧部材、駆動ギアを構
成するための空間を増大させることなく、潜像担持体と
現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確実に行なわれ、濃度ムラ
やピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止することができる。According to the sixth invention of the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member presses the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier and pressurizes the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier. A driving gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the member is configured to rotate the developer carrier, so that the pressing member presses the pressing member against the abutting member without hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier. The drive gear can be disposed close to the pressure member without interfering with a member for regulating the position of the pressure member, and the abutment member, the pressure member, the drive gear The space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier is reliably maintained without increasing the space for forming the image, and adverse effects such as density unevenness and pitch unevenness can be prevented.
【００６６】更に、本出願にかかる第七の発明によれ
ば、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧するようになっ
ているので、加圧部材が潜像担持体の回転を妨げること
なく加圧部材を突き当て部材に近接して配設でき、突き
当て部材、加圧部材を構成するための空間を増大させる
ことなく、潜像担持体と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確
実に行なわれ、濃度ムラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止
することができる。Further, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutment member is provided.
Since the developer carrier is pressed against the latent image carrier, the pressure member can be disposed close to the abutting member without the pressure member hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, The space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier is reliably maintained without increasing the space for forming the abutting member and the pressing member, and the adverse effects such as density unevenness and pitch unevenness can be prevented. it can.
【００６７】又、本出願にかかる第八の発明によれば、
突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、現像
剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧するようになってい
るので、加圧部材が潜像担持体の回転を妨げることなく
加圧部材を突き当て部材に近接して配設でき、突き当て
部材、加圧部材を構成するための空間を増大させること
なく、潜像担持体と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確実に
行なわれ、濃度ムラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止する
ことができる。According to the eighth invention of the present application,
Since the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member presses the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier, the pressing member prevents rotation of the latent image carrier. The pressure member can be disposed close to the abutment member without any space, and the space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier can be reliably maintained without increasing the space for forming the abutment member and the pressure member. This can prevent adverse effects such as density unevenness and pitch unevenness.
【００６８】更に、本出願にかかる第九の発明によれ
ば、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧するようになっ
ているので、加圧部材が潜像担持体の回転を妨げること
なく加圧部材を突き当て部材に近接して配設でき、突き
当て部材、加圧部材を構成するための空間を増大させる
ことなく、潜像担持体と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確
実に行なわれ、濃度ムラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止
することができる。Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member is provided.
Since the developer carrier is pressed against the latent image carrier, the pressure member can be disposed close to the abutting member without the pressure member hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, The space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier is reliably maintained without increasing the space for forming the abutting member and the pressing member, and the adverse effects such as density unevenness and pitch unevenness can be prevented. it can.
【００６９】又、本出願にかかる第十の発明によれば、
突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、現像
剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加圧部
材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持体を
回転駆動させるようになっているので、加圧部材が潜像
担持体の回転を妨げることなく加圧部材を突き当て部材
に近接して配設でき、又、加圧部材の位置を規制するた
めの部材等に干渉することなく駆動ギアを加圧部材と近
接して配設でき、突き当て部材、加圧部材、駆動ギアを
構成するための空間を増大させることなく、潜像担持体
と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確実に行なわれ、濃度ム
ラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止することができる。According to the tenth aspect of the present invention,
A pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member presses the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier, and a driving gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member carries the developer carrying member. Since the body is driven to rotate, the pressing member can be disposed close to the abutting member without hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, and the position of the pressing member is regulated. The driving gear can be arranged in close proximity to the pressing member without interfering with the member for performing the driving, and the latent image carrier can be provided without increasing the space for forming the abutting member, the pressing member, and the driving gear. The distance between the developer and the developer carrying member is reliably maintained, and adverse effects such as uneven density and uneven pitch can be prevented.
【００７０】更に、本出願にかかる第十一の発明によれ
ば、突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、
現像剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加
圧部材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持
体を回転駆動させるようになっているので、加圧部材が
潜像担持体の回転を妨げることなく加圧部材を突き当て
部材に近接して配設でき、又、加圧部材の位置を規制す
るための部材等に干渉することなく駆動ギアを加圧部材
と近接して配設でき、突き当て部材、加圧部材、駆動ギ
アを構成するための空間を増大させることなく、潜像担
持体と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確実に行なわれ、濃
度ムラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止することができ
る。Further, according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member is provided.
The developer carrier is pressed toward the latent image carrier, and a drive gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member is configured to rotate the developer carrier, so that the pressing member is The pressing member can be disposed close to the abutting member without hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, and the driving gear can be moved without interfering with a member for regulating the position of the pressing member. The space between the latent image carrier and the developer carrier is reliably maintained without increasing the space for forming the abutting member, the pressure member, and the driving gear, and the density is increased. An adverse effect such as unevenness and pitch unevenness can be prevented.
【００７１】又、本出願にかかる十二の発明によれば、
突き当て部材の外径より外径の小さい加圧部材が、現像
剤担持体を潜像担持体に向けて加圧すると共に、加圧部
材の外径より外径の小さい駆動ギアが、現像剤担持体を
回転駆動させるようになっているので、加圧部材が潜像
担持体の回転を妨げることなく加圧部材を突き当て部材
に近接して配設でき、又、加圧部材の位置を規制するた
めの部材等に干渉することなく駆動ギアを加圧部材と近
接して配設でき、突き当て部材、加圧部材、駆動ギアを
構成するための空間を増大させることなく、潜像担持体
と現像剤担持体との間隔保持が確実に行なわれ、濃度ム
ラやピッチムラ等の悪影響を防止することができる。According to the twelfth invention of the present application,
A pressing member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member presses the developer carrier toward the latent image carrier, and a driving gear having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing member carries the developer carrying member. Since the body is driven to rotate, the pressing member can be disposed close to the abutting member without hindering the rotation of the latent image carrier, and the position of the pressing member is regulated. The driving gear can be arranged in close proximity to the pressing member without interfering with the member for performing the driving, and the latent image carrier can be provided without increasing the space for forming the abutting member, the pressing member, and the driving gear. The distance between the developer and the developer carrying member is reliably maintained, and adverse effects such as uneven density and uneven pitch can be prevented.
【図１】本発明の実施形態にかかる画像形成装置の概略
構成を示す模式的断面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】本発明の実施形態にかかる潜像担持体及び現像
装置の概略構成を示す側面図である。FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a latent image carrier and a developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】図２の潜像担持体及び現像剤担持体の上面断面
図である。FIG. 3 is a top sectional view of the latent image carrier and the developer carrier of FIG. 2;
【図４】図２の要部を説明するための概略構成図であ
る。FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a main part of FIG. 2;
【図５】従来の画像形成装置の概略構成を示す模式的断
面図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus.
【図６】従来の画像形成装置に備えられた潜像担持体及
び現像装置の概略構成を示す模式的断面図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a latent image carrier and a developing device provided in a conventional image forming apparatus.
【図７】図６の潜像担持体及び現像剤担持体の上面断面
図である。FIG. 7 is a top sectional view of the latent image carrier and the developer carrier of FIG. 6;
【図８】図６に示す現像剤担持体の潜像担持体に対して
働く力を説明する図である。FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the force acting on the latent image carrier of the developer carrier shown in FIG. 6;
１ 感光ドラム（潜像担持体） ３ 現像装置 １２ 現像スリーブ（現像剤担持体） ２０ 突き当てコロ（突き当て部材） ２３ 駆動ギア ３９ 用紙（記録媒体） ４０ 加圧コロ（加圧部材） REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 photosensitive drum (latent image carrier) 3 developing device 12 developing sleeve (developer carrier) 20 abutting roller (abutting member) 23 drive gear 39 paper (recording medium) 40 pressing roller (pressing member)
Claims (12)
体を対向させ現像剤を付与することにより該潜像を可視
画像とする現像装置であって、現像剤を担持する回転自
在な現像剤担持体と、現像剤担持体の軸線と同一軸線上
に位置し現像剤担持体に回転自在に接続され潜像担持体
と当接して現像剤担持体と潜像担持体との距離を一定に
保つための突き当て部材と、現像剤担持体の軸線と同一
軸線上に位置し現像剤担持体に接続され潜像担持体へ向
けて加圧される加圧部材とを有する現像装置において、
加圧部材の外径が突き当て部材の外径よりも小さく採ら
れていることを特徴とする現像装置。1. A developing device for forming a latent image into a visible image by applying a developer with a developer carrier facing a latent image carrier carrying a latent image, wherein the developing device is rotatable. And a distance between the developer carrier and the latent image carrier that is located on the same axis as the axis of the developer carrier, is rotatably connected to the developer carrier, and comes into contact with the latent image carrier. And a pressing member which is located on the same axis as the axis of the developer carrying member, is connected to the developer carrying member, and is pressed toward the latent image carrying member. At
A developing device wherein the outer diameter of the pressing member is smaller than the outer diameter of the abutting member.
り若干大きい外径をもつ断面略円形の突き当てコロであ
ることとする請求項１に記載の現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the abutment member is an abutment roller having an outer diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the developer carrier and having a substantially circular cross section.
担持体の軸線とを結ぶ平面と平行な面に当接する断面略
円形の加圧コロであることとする請求項１又は請求項２
に記載の現像装置。3. The pressure member is a pressure roller having a substantially circular cross section that abuts a plane parallel to a plane connecting the axis of the latent image carrier and the axis of the developer carrier. Claim 2
3. The developing device according to claim 1.
体を対向させ現像剤を付与することにより該潜像を可視
画像とする現像装置であって、現像剤を担持する回転自
在な現像剤担持体と、現像剤担持体の軸線と同一軸線上
に位置し現像剤担持体に回転自在に接続され潜像担持体
と当接して現像剤担持体と潜像担持体との距離を一定に
保つための突き当て部材と、現像剤担持体の軸線と同一
軸線軸線上に位置し現像剤担持体に接続され潜像担持体
へ向けて加圧される加圧部材と、現像剤担持体の軸線と
同一軸線上に位置し現像剤担持体に接続され現像剤担持
体を回転駆動させるための駆動ギアとを有する現像装置
において、加圧部材の外径が突き当て部材の外径よりも
小さく採られ、且つ、駆動ギアの外形が加圧部材の外径
より小さく採られていることを特徴とする現像装置。4. A developing device for forming a latent image into a visible image by applying a developer with a developer carrying member facing a latent image carrying member carrying a latent image, wherein the developing device carries a rotatable developer. And a distance between the developer carrier and the latent image carrier that is located on the same axis as the axis of the developer carrier, is rotatably connected to the developer carrier, and comes into contact with the latent image carrier. An abutting member for keeping the pressure constant, a pressing member positioned on the same axis as the axis of the developer carrying member, connected to the developer carrying member, and pressed toward the latent image carrying member; In a developing device having a drive gear positioned on the same axis as the axis of the carrier and connected to the developer carrier to rotate the developer carrier, the outer diameter of the pressing member is equal to the outer diameter of the abutting member. And the outer diameter of the drive gear is smaller than the outer diameter of the pressure member. A developing device.
り若干大きい外径をもつ断面略円形の突き当てコロであ
ることとする請求項４に記載の現像装置。5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the abutting member is an abutting roller having an outer diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the developer carrier and having a substantially circular cross section.
担持体の軸線とを結ぶ平面と平行な面に当接する断面略
円形の加圧コロであることとする請求項４又は請求項５
に記載の現像装置。6. The pressure member is a pressure roller having a substantially circular cross section that abuts on a plane parallel to a plane connecting the axis of the latent image carrier and the axis of the developer carrier. Claim 5
3. The developing device according to claim 1.
体を対向させ現像剤を付与することにより該潜像を可視
画像とした後、該可視画像を記録媒体に記録せしめる画
像形成装置であって、請求項１に記載の現像装置を備え
ることを特徴とする画像形成装置。7. Forming an image by forming a latent image into a visible image by applying a developer with a developer carrying member facing a latent image carrying member carrying a latent image, and then recording the visible image on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 1.
り若干大きい外径をもつ断面略円形の突き当てコロであ
ることとする請求項７に記載の画像形成装置。8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the abutting member is an abutting roller having an outer diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the developer carrying member and having a substantially circular cross section.
担持体の軸線とを結ぶ平面と平行な面に当接する断面略
円形の加圧コロであることとする請求項７又は請求項８
に記載の画像形成装置。9. The pressure member is a pressure roller having a substantially circular cross section which comes into contact with a plane parallel to a plane connecting the axis of the latent image carrier and the axis of the developer carrier. Claim 8
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
持体を対向させ現像剤を付与することにより該潜像を可
視画像とした後、該可視画像を記録媒体に記録せしめる
画像形成装置であって、請求項４に記載の現像装置を備
えることを特徴とする画像形成装置。10. Forming an image by forming a latent image into a visible image by applying a developer with a developer carrier facing a latent image carrier carrying a latent image, and then recording the visible image on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus, comprising: the developing device according to claim 4.
より若干大きい外径をもつ断面略円形の突き当てコロで
あることとする請求項１０に記載の画像形成装置。11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the abutting member is an abutting roller having an outer diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the developer carrier and having a substantially circular cross section.
剤担持体の軸線とを結ぶ平面と平行な面に当接する断面
略円形の加圧コロであることとする請求項１０又は請求
項１１に記載の画像形成装置。12. The pressure member according to claim 10, wherein the pressure member is a pressure roller having a substantially circular cross section that abuts a plane parallel to a plane connecting the axis of the latent image carrier and the axis of the developer carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP10350801A JP2000162870A (en) | 1998-11-26 | 1998-11-26 | Developing equipment and image-forming device equipped therewith |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP10350801A JP2000162870A (en) | 1998-11-26 | 1998-11-26 | Developing equipment and image-forming device equipped therewith |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2000162870A true JP2000162870A (en) | 2000-06-16 |
Family
ID=18412973
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP10350801A Withdrawn JP2000162870A (en) | 1998-11-26 | 1998-11-26 | Developing equipment and image-forming device equipped therewith |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2000162870A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2010117503A (en) * | 2008-11-12 | 2010-05-27 | Canon Inc | Image forming apparatus |
-
1998
- 1998-11-26 JP JP10350801A patent/JP2000162870A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2010117503A (en) * | 2008-11-12 | 2010-05-27 | Canon Inc | Image forming apparatus |
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