JP2000275949A - Developing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device with a long service life where there is no necessity for a frequent exchange over a long period of time since deteriorated developer can be discharged outside the developing device. SOLUTION: In this developing device E1, a developing roll 21 to feed developer to a developing area is installed and an empty detection device S1 detecting an empty state of the contained developer and a developer discharging device 4 where the deteriorated developer that is charged to an opposite polarity among residual developer in the developing device is discharged outside the developing device based on an empty state detection of the contained developer by the empty detection device S1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine combining two or more of these, and a developing device used in the image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are various types of developing devices in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, facsimile machines, and multifunction machines combining two or more of these. A typical one is to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier into a visible toner image.

[0003] The developing devices of the type which develops an electrostatic latent image as described above are roughly classified into a dry developing device and a wet developing device. The former performs development using a powdery dry developer and the latter develops the powder. Develops using a liquid developer. Among these, dry developing devices are roughly classified into one-component developing devices and two-component developing devices. The one-component developing device performs development using a developer mainly composed of toner as a developer, and the two-component developing device is Development is performed using a developer mainly composed of a toner and a carrier (usually a magnetic carrier).

A dry developing device includes a developer carrier for supplying a developer to an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier to perform development. As such a developer carrier in the one-component developing device, a developer roller that is driven to rotate and is in contact with a developer regulating member, or a drive roller that is driven to rotate and has a circumference slightly longer than the circumference thereof is used. The developing sleeve is externally fitted, the developing sleeve is pressed against a driving roller by a pressing member, and the developing sleeve is driven to rotate by the driving roller, and the developer regulating member is brought into contact with the developing sleeve, and formed on the opposite side. There is a type in which the extra length of the developing sleeve faces the image carrier.

Regardless of the type of the developing roller or the developing sleeve, a part of the developer supplied to the developing roller or the developing sleeve passes through between the developer regulating member and the surface of the developing roller or the surface of the developing sleeve. The toner is triboelectrically charged and formed into a thin toner layer, and is conveyed to the developing area. The developer carrier in a two-component developing device usually has a developing sleeve externally fitted to a magnet roller having N and S magnetic poles arranged thereon, and a developer regulating member (a spike regulating member) provided with a predetermined gap therebetween. To rotate the magnet roller and the developing sleeve relatively.

In a two-component developing device, a developer mainly composed of a toner and a carrier becomes a charged toner by frictional charging due to mutual contact between the toner and the carrier.
The toner and the carrier are held on the developing sleeve in the form of a so-called magnetic brush, and the height of the magnetic brush is regulated to a predetermined value by a developer regulating member (spike height regulating member), and is conveyed to the developing area.

The liquid developing device uses a liquid developer in which toner, a charge control agent and the like are dispersed in a carrier liquid as a developer. The liquid developing device includes a developer carrier that supplies the liquid developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier and adheres the toner in the liquid developer to the electrostatic latent image by the principle of electrophoresis. I have.

In addition to the developing device of the type described above for developing an electrostatic latent image, for example, an image receiving member (an image receiving sheet or a toner image is transferred to an image receiving sheet without interposing an electrostatic latent image). Intermediate image receiving member for forming toner image)
In addition, there is a direct recording type developing device that directly supplies a developer according to document image information to form an image. In any case, in the developing device, the developer in the developing device main body is consumed while the development is repeated.

Therefore, today, in many developing devices,
A developer supply unit containing a predetermined amount of developer in advance is attached to the developing device main body. Such a developer supply unit in a dry developing device of a type that develops an electrostatic latent image is provided with a width of a developer carrier (provided to supply the developer over the entire width of the image forming area of the electrostatic latent image carrier). Length in the longitudinal direction)
In order to make it possible to supply the developer uniformly over the entirety of the developing device, it is integrally provided in the form of a hopper on the upper portion of the developing device main body along the width direction (longitudinal direction) of the developer carrying member.

Also, in the above-described direct recording type developing apparatus, the developer supply section is provided on the whole of a portion where the developer is adhered to the image receiving body for forming an image (a portion which can be said to be a kind of developer carrier). It is provided along the portion so that the developer can be supplied. In the liquid developing device, the liquid developer supply unit is disposed below the developing device main body so that the developer can be supplied by a pump or the like.

[0011]

The conventional developing device described above has a common problem that there is a limit in extending the life of the developing device. The following can be pointed out as the cause. As described above, the developing device is provided with the developer supply unit in preparation for the consumption of the developer. When the developer storage amount is increased in order to extend the length of the image forming apparatus, the entire body of the image forming apparatus (image forming engine section) directly related to image formation, in which a large number of components are intricately complicated, must be bulky. As a result, the entire image forming apparatus becomes considerably large. However, today, there is a demand for downsizing of the image forming apparatus, and therefore, the amount of developer stored in the developer supply unit cannot be increased. Therefore, there is a limit to extending the life of the developing device in terms of the amount of developer contained. Due to the small amount of developer contained, the developing device must be replaced in a short period of time.

In a dry developing apparatus, for example, it is conceivable to provide a developer supply section having a large storage capacity in an appropriate space in the image forming apparatus without inviting an extra large size of the image forming apparatus. However, such a developer supply unit is difficult to employ because it requires a costly developer transporting unit or the like for transporting the developer. In addition, during repeated use of the developing device, a deteriorated developer such as a developer charged to a polarity opposite to the normal charging polarity is generated, and this is locally accumulated in the developing device. Even if the developer is replenished, the developer in the developing device becomes totally or partially defective, and as a result, an image defect such as a fogging phenomenon occurs in a background portion of an image formed. When this happens, the developing device must be replaced. This also hinders the life of the developing device.

When a one-component developer is taken as an example, a fluidizing agent to be adhered to the toner surface is charged by a developer and a pressure is applied from a developer regulating member for forming a thin layer of the developer. It is generated by being buried in the toner or being crushed. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device that can be used for a long time and has a long life.

[0014] More specifically, the present invention develops the deteriorated developer from the viewpoint of the accumulation of the deteriorated developer, which is one of the factors that hinder the longevity of the conventional developing device. An object of the present invention is to provide a long-life developing device that can be discharged out of the apparatus and can be used for a long time without the need for replacement. Further, according to the present invention, even if the deteriorated developer is generated in the mounted developing device, the deteriorated developer can be discharged out of the developing device, so that the developing device can be used for a long period without replacing the developing device. It is an object to provide an image forming apparatus capable of maintaining image quality.

[0015]

According to the present invention, there are provided the following two types of developing devices and image forming apparatuses. (1) First-Type Developing Apparatus and Image Forming Apparatus A developing apparatus having a developer carrier for supplying a developer to a developing area, the empty detecting apparatus detecting an empty state of a stored developer, and the empty A developer discharging device that discharges at least the deteriorated developer among the residual developer in the developing device to the outside of the developing device based on the detection of the empty state of the stored developer by the detecting device. And an image forming apparatus equipped with such a developing device.

According to the first type of developing device according to the present invention, the developer carrying member supplies the developer to the developing area to form a toner image. Degraded developer is generated in the developing device with the use of the developing device. In this developing device, when the empty detection device detects the empty state of the stored developer,
Based on this, the developer discharging device discharges at least the deteriorated developer among the residual developer in the developing device to the outside of the developing device.

Thereafter, the next new developer is replenished into the developing device, and the developing device can be used without replacement. The discharge of the developer by the developer discharge device may be discharge of all the residual developer, discharge of only the deteriorated developer, or discharge of mainly the deteriorated developer.

In any case, by discharging at least the deteriorated developer to the outside of the developing device, a new developer to be replenished next can be used substantially without mixing of the deteriorated developer, whereby good development can be performed. . In the developing device of the first type according to the present invention, even if such a deteriorated developer is generated, it can be discharged out of the developing device, and can be used for a long time without the need for replacement, thereby achieving a long life. it can.

The image forming apparatus equipped with the first type of developing device according to the present invention can be used for a long period of time without replacing the developing device, and can maintain good image quality. The developer discharging device includes, for example, a developing device that transfers at least a deteriorated developer of the residual developer to a member facing the developer carrier in the development area, for example, an image carrier such as an electrostatic latent image carrier. An agent discharging device can be mentioned.

A representative example of this type of developer discharging device is a discharging device intended for a deteriorated developer charged to a polarity opposite to a normal charging polarity, and the deteriorated developer is supplied to the developing area in the developing area. A developer discharging device that forms and transfers an electric field for transferring the deteriorated developer to a member such as an image carrier facing the developer carrier can be exemplified. Further, as the developer discharging device, a developer discharging device that conveys and discharges the residual developer to a developer collecting unit can be exemplified.

In this case, it is possible to use a developer recovering section having a replaceable developer recovering bottle. (2) Second-Type Developing Device and Image Forming Device A developing device having a developer carrier for supplying a developer to a developing area, and a deteriorated developer for separating the deteriorated developer from the developer in the developing device. A developing device comprising a separating device.

According to the second type of developing device according to the present invention, the developer carrying member supplies the developer to the developing area to form a toner image. The deteriorated developer is generated in the developing device with the use of the developing device. However, the deteriorated developer separating device separates the deteriorated developer from the developer in the developing device, so that the deteriorated developer can be discharged out of the developing device. .

Therefore, the developer in the developing device can be set to a state in which the deteriorated developer is not contained, or even if it is contained, it can be maintained in a negligibly small state. There is no need for replacement, and good development can be performed with continued use for a long time. Second aspect of the present invention
In this type of developing device, the deteriorated developer can be separated and discharged from the normal developer in this way, so that it can be used for a long time without replacement, and a long life can be achieved.

Further, the image forming apparatus equipped with the second type of developing device according to the present invention can be used for a long period without replacing the developing device, and can maintain good image quality. The degraded developer separating device may be any device that can separate the degraded developer from the normal developer, and a simple device may be a device that separates the degraded developer by sizing or classifying. For example, there is a filter having a mesh or the like that allows the deteriorated developer having a small diameter to be separated and passed from the regular developer, and separates the deteriorated developer by passing the developer in the developing device over the filter. it can.

In each of the first and second types of developing devices, a developer flowing portion for supplying a developer to the developer carrier can be provided. As such a developer flowing section, a first developer conveying member extending along the longitudinal direction of the developer carrying member and a first developer conveying member are disposed, and the first developer conveying member is disposed above the first developer conveying member. May include a second developer transport member having different developer transport directions.

In such a developer flowing section, the developer is circulated by the first and second developer conveying members, and is supplied to the developer carrier while being sufficiently stirred. When such a developer flowing section is employed, the first type of developing device employs, as the developer discharging device, a discharging device that conveys and discharges the residual developer to a developer collecting section outside the developing device. In this case, such a developer conveying member can be used as a part of the discharging device.

For example, a developer collecting section having an openable and closable opening communicating with the developer flowing section may be employed as the developer collecting section, and this may be installed below the first developer conveying member. As such a developer transport member, a developer transport rotary member such as a developer transport screw can be used.

In each of the first and second types of developing devices, a developer flowing section for supplying a developer to the developer carrying member is provided, and the developer is supplied to the developer flowing section. An agent supply section may be provided. When the developer replenishing section is provided in this way, even if the developer in the developing device is consumed and reduced, the developer can be replenished by adding the developer to the replenishing section from the outside, and the developing device can be replenished. Can be used for a long time without replacement, and the developer can be stably supplied to the developer carrier. Further, an image forming apparatus equipped with a developing device provided with a replenishing unit can be used for a long time without replacing the developing device.

Such a developer replenishing section greatly affects the size of the image forming apparatus main body (image forming engine) such as above and below the developing apparatus main body, and ignores the image forming apparatus in which the developing apparatus is mounted. It is desirable to provide a portion that is difficult and does not cause extraordinary enlargement, that is, a portion near the end of the developer flowing portion so as to supply the developer. In a case where the developer flowing section includes the first and second developer conveying members, the developer supply section includes:
At least one of the vicinity of the end of the first developer conveying member and the vicinity of the end of the second developer conveying member can be provided so as to supply the developer.

Further, in order to suppress an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus in which the developing device is mounted, and to facilitate the replenishment of the developer, the developer replenishing portion is provided in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. May be located outside of the width of. A developer replenishing amount regulating member may be provided at the developer replenishing port of the developer replenishing portion communicating with the developing device main body, if necessary. For example, a shutter that can be opened and closed, a shutter and a developer supply roller that regulates the developer supply amount, and the like may be provided.

In the second type of developing device, when a separating device for separating the deteriorated developer by using the sizing or classification is employed, the deteriorated developer can be easily separated by utilizing its gravity. A degraded developer separating device may be provided below the developer flowing section. As a more specific example, when employing the above-described first and second developer conveying members as the developer flowing section, the degraded developer separation is provided below the first developer conveying member. A device can be provided.

The present invention can be applied to various developing devices and image forming devices. Each type of developing device according to the present invention may be, for example, a dry developing device or a liquid developing device. Also,
For example, a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image or a developing device that directly forms an image on an image receiving body may be used. In the case of a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image, the developing area is formed between a developer carrier in the developing device and an electrostatic latent image carrier such as a photoconductor facing the developer carrier. In the case of a developing device that directly forms an image on an image receiving member, the developing device is formed between a developer carrying member in the developing device and an image receiving member facing the developer supporting member.

In the case of a dry developing device, either a one-component developing device or a two-component developing device may be used. In the former case, a one-component developer may be present at least in the vicinity of the developer carrier, and the developer supplied to the developer carrier may be a one-component developer. In the latter case, a two-component developer may be present at least in the vicinity of the developer carrier, and the developer supplied to the developer carrier may be a two-component developer.

Various types of developer carriers can be considered.
When a one-component developer is used as the developer carrier in the dry developing device, for example, a developer regulating member for charging the developer and forming a thin layer of the developer is contacted to supply the developer to the developing area. A developing sleeve having a circumference slightly longer than the circumference of the donor roller and the driving roller is fitted to the outside, and this is pressed against the driving roller by a pressing member to be driven to rotate by the driving roller, and a developing sleeve formed on the opposite side. With the extra length facing the image carrier, a developer regulating member for charging the developer and forming a thin layer of developer is brought into contact with the developing sleeve, and the developing sleeve supplies the developer to the developing area. Can be illustrated.

When a two-component developer is employed, for example,
The developing sleeve is externally fitted to the magnet roller in which the N and S poles are arranged, and the developer regulating member (spike height regulating member) faces the developing sleeve with a predetermined gap between the magnet roller and the developing sleeve. An example of a rotating object can be given. Further, as the developer carrier in the liquid developing device, a donor roller or the like that conveys the liquid developer to the developing area by pumping or supplying the liquid developer can be exemplified.

Examples of the developer carrying member in the direct image type developing device include, for example, those which apply an electric field to the developer so as to fly and adhere to the image receiving body so as to form an image based on an original image. The image forming apparatus equipped with the developing device according to the present invention is, for example, a dry image forming apparatus,
An image forming apparatus using a liquid developer may be used. Also, for example,
An image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic system that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier such as a photoconductor or an image forming apparatus of a direct recording system that directly forms an image on an image receiving body may be used.

Further, not only one developing device according to the present invention but also a plurality of developing devices may be mounted. The image forming apparatus may be a monochrome image forming apparatus or a color image forming apparatus. When the above-described developer replenishing unit is employed, the developer supplied from the developer replenishing unit is usually a toner or a one-component developer when a one-component developer mainly composed of toner is employed. When a two-component developer mainly composed of a toner and a carrier is used, a predetermined amount of the carrier can be stored in the developing device main body in advance. Carriers and the like may be supplied.

In the case of a liquid developing device, the developer supplied from the developer supply section is one or more of a concentrated toner-containing liquid having a higher toner concentration, a carrier liquid, a charge control agent and the like, or is adjusted. The liquid developer itself may be used.

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention employing a dry developing device. FIG. 2 shows an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention employing a liquid developing device. FIG. 3 shows an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention employing a developing device of a direct recording type (direct developing type).

The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a photosensitive drum X1. A charger X2, an image exposing device X3, a dry developing device X4, a transfer device X5, a cleaning device X6, and a charge removing device X7 are sequentially arranged around the photoreceptor X1. A timing roller pair TMX is provided on the left side of the transfer device X5 (here, a transfer roller) in the figure, and a cassette CX containing the recording sheet S is provided below the timing roller pair TMX. , And can be supplied to the pair of timing rollers TMX. A fixing device FX is provided on the right side of the transfer device X5 in the drawing.
However, a recording sheet discharge roller pair RX is provided above each of them, and the discharge roller pair RX is connected to a discharge tray TX.
Is facing.

Further, sheet guides g1, g2, g3, g4, g5 and a sheet feed roller pair f are arranged at appropriate places in the path of the recording sheet. Each movable portion including the photoconductor X1 is driven in a predetermined direction at a predetermined timing by a driving device (not shown). Further, at a predetermined timing from each power supply (not shown), a photosensitive member charging voltage can be applied to the charger X2, a developing bias can be applied to the developing device X4, and a transfer voltage can be applied to the transfer roller X5.

According to this image forming apparatus, the photosensitive member X1 is driven to rotate in the CCW direction in the drawing, and the surface of the photosensitive member is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charger X2. Image exposure is performed on the charged area from the image exposure device X3 based on the document image information, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device X4 using a dry developer to become a visible toner image, and moves to a transfer area facing the transfer device X5.

On the other hand, from the cassette CX to the paper feed roller CXR
, The recording sheet S is pulled out, and the timing roller pair T
MX. The timing roller pair TMX feeds the recording sheet S to the transfer area in synchronization with the toner image on the photoconductor X1. The recording sheet sent to the transfer area
The toner image on the photoconductor X1 is transferred by the transfer roller X5, and then the toner image is fixed by the fixing device FX.
The sheet is discharged from the discharge roller pair RX to the discharge tray TX.

After the transfer, the developer remaining on the photoreceptor X1 is removed and cleaned by the cleaning device X6, and the residual charge is erased by the charge eliminator X7 to prepare for the next image forming process. The image exposure apparatus X3 may be another type of image exposure apparatus such as an apparatus that performs image exposure on the photoconductor X1 while optically scanning a document image.

The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 includes a photosensitive drum Y1. A charger Y2, an image exposing device Y3, a liquid developing device Y4, a squeezing device Y around the photoreceptor Y1.
5, a transfer device Y6, a cleaning device Y7, and a charge removing device Y8 are sequentially arranged. A timing roller pair TMY is provided below the transfer device Y6 (here, a transfer roller) in the drawing.
However, a recording sheet supply unit (not shown) is provided further below the recording sheet supply unit. The recording sheets S can be pulled out one by one from the recording sheet supply unit and supplied to the timing roller pair TMY. A fixing device FY is provided above the transfer device Y6 in the figure, and a recording sheet discharge roller pair and a recording sheet discharge tray (not shown) are provided further above the fixing device FY. Further, a sheet guide and a sheet feed roller pair, not shown, are provided at appropriate positions.

Each of the movable parts including the photosensitive member Y1 is driven in a predetermined direction at a predetermined timing by a driving device (not shown). Further, at a predetermined timing from each power supply (not shown), a photosensitive member charging voltage can be applied to the charger Y2, a developing bias can be applied to the developing device Y4, and a transfer voltage can be applied to the transfer roller Y6.

According to this image forming apparatus, the photosensitive member Y1 is driven to rotate in the CCW direction in the figure, and the surface of the photosensitive member is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charger Y2. Image exposure is performed on the charged area from the image exposure device Y3 based on the document image information, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device Y4 using a liquid developer to become a visible toner image. Subsequently, excess liquid developer in the portion of the photoconductor Y1 holding the toner image is removed by a squeeze device Y5 (here, a squeeze roller), and the toner image moves to a transfer area facing the transfer device Y6.

The recording sheet S from a cassette (not shown)
Is drawn out and supplied to the timing roller pair TMY. The timing roller pair TMY feeds the recording sheet S to the transfer area in synchronization with the toner image on the photoconductor Y1.
The recording sheet sent to the transfer area is transferred to a transfer roller Y6.
To transfer the toner image on the photoreceptor Y1, and then the toner image is fixed by the fixing device FY, and then discharged from a discharge roller pair (not shown) to a discharge tray.

After the transfer, the developer remaining on the photoreceptor Y1 is removed and cleaned by the cleaning device Y7, and the residual charge is erased by the charge eliminator Y8 to prepare for the next image forming process. The image exposure apparatus Y3 may be another type of image exposure apparatus such as an apparatus that performs image exposure on the photoconductor Y1 while optically scanning a document image.

The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3 includes a direct recording type developing device Z1. The developing device Z1 includes a portion Z11 for holding and supplying the dry developer and a control electrode array portion Z12.
It has. Further, a back electrode Z13 is provided so as to face the control electrode array portion Z12. In the figure, a timing roller pair TMZ is provided below the control electrode array portion Z12 and the back electrode Z13, and further below the timing roller pair TMZ, there is a supply portion of a recording sheet S (not shown), and the recording sheet S is supplied from the recording sheet supply portion. Pull out one sheet at a time, timing roller pair TMZ
Can be supplied. In the figure, a fixing device F is provided above the control electrode array portion Z12 and the back electrode Z13.
A recording sheet discharge roller pair and a recording sheet discharge tray (not shown) are further provided above Z. Further, a sheet guide and a sheet feed roller pair, not shown, are provided at appropriate positions.

A large number of control electrodes are arranged in the control electrode arrangement section Z12, and a voltage for forming a toner flying electric field can be applied from the control voltage application section Z2 to each control electrode at a predetermined timing. ing. Further, a voltage for drawing the toner can be applied from a power supply (not shown) to the back electrode Z13. According to this image forming apparatus, a recording sheet (not shown) is supplied from the sheet supply unit to the timing roller pair TMZ, and the timing roller pair TMZ
Allows the recording sheet S to pass between the control electrode array portion Z12 and the back electrode Z13 at a predetermined timing. then,
In the developing device Z1, a voltage is applied from the control voltage applying unit Z2 to each control electrode at a predetermined timing based on the document image information, and the toner attracting voltage is also applied to the back surface of the recording sheet S by the back electrode Z13. Applied. Thus, the toner supplied from the developer supply unit Z11 flies and adheres to the recording sheet S, and a toner image is formed directly on the recording sheet.

After the toner image is fixed on the recording sheet S on which the toner image is formed by the fixing device FZ, the recording sheet S is discharged to a discharge tray by a pair of discharge rollers. The developing device in each of the image forming apparatuses described above is a developing device according to the present invention, and it is any of the developing devices according to the present invention to be described below. The developing devices described below include developing devices X4, Y4, and Z1 shown in FIGS.
1 and 3 may not match in the external appearance in the drawing, the positional relationship with the photoconductor, the rotation direction of the photoconductor with respect to the developing device, etc., but the display of the developing device in FIGS. It should be understood that the positional relationship of the developing device with respect to the members, devices, and the like is shown in principle. In an actual image forming apparatus, the positional relationship between the developing device and a photoconductor, a charger, a transfer device, a passage of a recording sheet, and the like, a rotating direction of the photoconductor, and a passing direction of the recording sheet according to the developing device to be employed. Etc. can be set appropriately.

Hereinafter, a developing device having a long life including the developing device according to the present invention will be described. <Developing device A1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B>
4A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device A1, as viewed from the rear side of the developing device, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device A1 shown together with the photoconductor, viewed from the side of the developing device. FIG.

The developing device A1 employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device A
1 includes a rotating member as a developer carrier, and more specifically, a developing roller 11. Further, a developer flowing portion 12 facing the developing roller 11 and a developer replenishing portion 13 for replenishing the developer near one end of the developer flowing portion 12 are provided.

The developing roller 11 is rotatably installed above the developing device case 14. A toner regulating member 111 whose upper end is supported by the developing device case 14 elastically contacts the rear surface of the developing roller 11. Developing roller 11
Faces the photoconductor X1 from the upper end opening 141 of the case 14. The developer flowing portion 12 includes first and second developer conveying members 121 and 1 extending along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 11.
22, which are rotatably installed at fixed positions in the lower part of the developing device case 14. The developer transport members 121 and 122 are both developer transport screws, and the second developer transport member 122 is located below the developing roller 11 and above the first developer transport member 121. .

The developing roller 11, the developer conveying member 121,
Each of the motors 122 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction by a motor MA via a transmission mechanism TA. First developer transport member 12
1 transports the developer D1 to the right in the drawing away from a developer replenishing unit 13 described in detail later;
Reference numeral 2 conveys the developer D1 in the leftward direction in FIG.

The lower portion of the developing device case 14 has a portion 142 that extends beyond the upper portion and beyond the width in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 11.
122 extends to that portion 142. Further, the developer supply section 13 rises from the portion 142. Therefore, the supply section 13 is located outside the width of the developing roller 11 in the longitudinal direction.

In this case, the replenishing section 13 is provided with a developer D1 from outside.
The lower end opening 131 of the supply section 13 can supply the developer D1 to the vicinity of the end of the upper second developer conveying member 122 from above. In addition, a developer supply amount regulating member such as a shutter that can be opened and closed and a shutter and developer supply roller that regulates the developer supply amount may be provided in the lower end opening 131 of the supply unit 13.

According to the developing device A1, the developer D1 in the developing device is supplied to the first and second developer conveying members 121 and 122.
Are transported in opposite directions to each other, circulate, and are supplied to the developing roller 11 mainly from the second developer transport member 122 while being agitated. The developer D1 supplied to the developing roller 11 is supplied to the toner regulating member 111 and the developing roller 11
It is charged by passing through the surface and is formed into a thin layer having a predetermined thickness. In this state, the thin layer is conveyed to a development area facing the photoconductor X1 and used for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor X1. Is done.

The developer D1 (toner) in the developing device is consumed with the use of the developing device A1, but is replenished by adding the developer D1 (toner) from the outside to the developer replenishing section 13. The developer D1 is supplied from the section 13 to the vicinity of the end of the second developer conveyance member 122 and further to the vicinity of the end of the first developer conveyance member 121.
1 is stably supplied with the developer D1.

Thus, the developing device A1 has a long life which can be used for a long time. Further, since the developer replenishing section 13 is provided so as to replenish the developer near the end of the developer circulation path by the developer conveying members 121 and 122, the replenished developer is agitated with the existing developer. While being supplied to the developing roller 11, the image can be formed satisfactorily.

Further, the developer replenishing section 13 is provided near the end of the developer flowing section 12, in other words, the developer conveying member 121,
Since the developer is provided near the end of the developer circulation path 122 by the developer, the size of the main body (image forming engine) of the image forming apparatus, such as above or below the main body of the developing apparatus, is affected. Therefore, the size of the image forming apparatus in which the developing device is mounted is not negligible and does not increase the size.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus equipped with the developing device A1 can supply the developer to the developing device A1 from the outside, and therefore can be used for a long time without replacing the developing device A1, and is hard to ignore. There is no increase in size. <Developing Apparatus A2 shown in FIG. 5> FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus A2 shown together with the photoreceptor, as viewed from the side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device A2 employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device A
Reference numeral 2 denotes the developing device A1 shown in FIG.
, An intermediate developer supply member 15 (here, a developer supply roller) is disposed, and the developing roller 11 is disposed laterally and outwardly of the intermediate developer supply member 15. Instead of the toner regulating member 111, a toner regulating member 111 ′ abuts on the developing roller 11. The other points are the same as those of the developing device shown in FIG. 4, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts and portions as those of the developing device shown in FIG. Rotating members such as the developing roller 11 and the developer supply member 15 are respectively driven to rotate in predetermined directions by a driving device (not shown).

In the developing device A2, the developer D1 is supplied to the developing roller 11 via the developer supply member 15.
The developing device A2 can also supply the developer D1 from the outside of the developing device via the developer replenishing section 13, and has a long life that can be used for a long time.
The size of the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus 2 is mounted cannot be ignored. <Developing Apparatus A3 shown in FIG. 6> FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus A3 shown together with the photoreceptor, as viewed from the side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device A3 employs a two-component developer D2 mainly composed of a toner and a carrier as a developer, and can be used by being mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The developing device A3 is the same as the developing device A1 shown in FIG.
A two-component developer D2 is used instead of the one-component developer D1,
An intermediate developer supply member 15 (here, a developer supply roller) is disposed at the position of the developing roller 11.
A developer carrier 16 is employed in place of 1 and is disposed laterally and outside the developer supply member 15.

The developer carrier 16 has a fixed arrangement of a magnet roller 162 having N and S magnetic poles around it.
The developing sleeve 161 is externally fitted to the
1 is rotated. Developing sleeve 1
The ear height regulating member 163 faces the 61. The developer supplied from the developer supply unit 13 is a toner.

Other than the above, it is the same as the developing device shown in FIG. 4, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts and portions as the developing device shown in FIG. Rotating members such as the developing sleeve 161 and the developer supply member 15 are driven to rotate in predetermined directions by driving devices (not shown). According to the developing device A3, the developer D2 in the developing device is conveyed and circulated in opposite directions by the developer conveying members 121 and 122, and the toner and the carrier are stirred while the developer D2 is being supplied through the developer supplying member 15. To the developing sleeve 161. Developer D supplied to developing sleeve 161
Numeral 2 is held on the developing sleeve 161 in the state of a magnetic brush by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 162, is conveyed to the developing area facing the photoreceptor X1, and is a member for controlling the height of the spike height 163 on the way.
Restricts the height of the magnetic brush. Then, the toner in the height-regulated magnetic brush is used for developing the electrostatic latent image. The developer D2 (especially, toner) in the developing device is consumed with the use of the developing device A3.
, And the developer D2 is stably supplied to the developing sleeve 161.

The developing device A3 can also supply toner from outside the developing device and has a long service life that can be used for a long period of time. However, the size of the image forming apparatus on which the developing device A3 is mounted cannot be ignored. Absent. <Developing Apparatus A4 shown in FIG. 7> FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus A4 shown together with the photoreceptor, as viewed from the side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device A4 is a liquid developer D3 in which toner and a charge control agent are dispersed in a carrier liquid as a developer.
And can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The developing device A4 is structurally similar to the developing device A1 shown in FIG. In the developing device A1, a case 14 'having no fear of liquid leakage is used instead of the developing device case 14. The first and second developer conveying members 121 and 122, the developing roller 11, and the developer replenishing unit 13 are arranged on the case 14 'in the same manner as the first and second developer conveying members 121 and 122 with respect to the developing device case 14 in the developing device A1. This is provided with second developer conveying members 121 and 122, a developer roller 17, and a developer supply section 13 '.

First and second developer conveying members 121 and 12
Reference numeral 2 is the same as the developer conveying member in the developing device A1. A bottle TB with an on-off valve V1 containing a concentrated toner liquid having an increased toner concentration is stored in the developer supply portion 13 '.
And a bottle C with an on-off valve V2 containing a charge control agent
B and a bottle LB with an on-off valve V3 containing a carrier liquid. Each bottle can be replaced with a new one.

Also in the developing device A4, the developer D3 in the developing device is conveyed in opposite directions by the developer conveying members 121 and 122, circulated, and supplied to the developing roller 17 while being stirred. The developing roller 17 mainly includes a liquid developer D3 supplied from the second developer conveying member 122.
To the developing area and transported. Liquid developer D3 conveyed by developing roller 17 to a developing area facing photoreceptor Y1
The toner inside moves and adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor Y1 by electrophoresis under the application of a developing bias to the developing roller 17, and develops the electrostatic latent image.

After the development, the developer D3 remaining on the developing roller 17 is once scraped off from the developing roller by the cleaning blade 171. Although the components in the developer D3 are consumed with the use of the developing device A4, the concentrated toner liquid bottle TB, the charge control agent bottle CB, and the carrier liquid bottle LB are mounted on the developer replenishing unit 13 '. because there is,
Consumed and insufficient developer components can be appropriately replenished from these bottles. Empty bottles can be replaced.

Thus, the developing device A4 can supply the developer from the outside of the developing device and has a long service life that can be used for a long period of time. There is no. <Developing Device A5 shown in FIG. 8> FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device A5, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

The developing device A5 employs a two-component developer D2 mainly composed of toner and carrier as a developer, and can be used by being mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The developing device A5 has a configuration in which the control electrode array portion 18 facing the developer carrier 16 is provided in the developing device A3 shown in FIG. In a state where the recording sheet S is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the recording sheet S passes while being exposed to the control electrode array unit 18. Further, a back electrode 19 is arranged on the back side of the recording sheet S.

The other points are the same as those of the developing device A3 shown in FIG. 6, and substantially the same parts and portions as those of the developing device A shown in FIG. Control electrode array section 18
A large number of control electrodes are arranged, and a voltage for forming a toner flying electric field is applied to each control electrode at a predetermined timing from a control voltage application unit (not shown), and a back electrode 19 is also applied to the control electrode. A voltage for drawing the toner is applied from a power supply (not shown).

Thus, the toner supplied from the developer carrier 16 flies and adheres to the recording sheet S, and a toner image is formed directly on the recording sheet. This developing device A5
The developer D2 (particularly, toner) can be supplied from outside the developing device via the developer replenishing section 13 and has a long service life that can be used for a long time.
The size of the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus 5 is mounted cannot be ignored.

In each of the developing devices A1 to A5 described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, the developer is circulated and moved sufficiently in the developer flowing section 12 and is sufficiently stirred. Even if the developer is generated, it is dispersed in the normal developer, and the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer is suppressed. In this regard, the developer can be used continuously for a long time without the need to replace the developing device. <Developing device B1 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B>
9A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B1, viewed from the rear side of the developing device, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B1 shown together with the photoconductor, viewed from the side of the developing device. FIG.

The developing device B1 employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device B
1 includes a rotating member as a developer carrier, and more specifically, a developing roller 21. Further, a developer supply member (here, a developer supply roller) 2 facing the development roller 21
2 and a developer flowing portion 23 facing the developer supply member 22
And

The developing roller 21 is rotatably installed at the front of the developing device case 24. A toner regulating member 211 whose upper end is supported by the developing device case 24 is in elastic contact with the rear surface of the developing roller 21. Developing roller 21
Faces the photoconductor X1 from the front end opening 241 of the case 24. The developer supply member (developer supply roller) 22 extends along the longitudinal direction of the development roller 21, and is rotatably provided in an intermediate region of the development device case 24.

The developer flowing section 23 is provided with a developer supply member 22.
And first and second developer conveying members 231 and 232 extending along the longitudinal direction of the developing device case 24, and these are rotatably installed at fixed positions in the inner part of the developing device case 24.
Each of the developer conveying members 231 and 232 is a developer conveying screw, and the second developer conveying member 232 is located above the first developer conveying member 231.

The developing roller 21, the developer supplying member 22, and the developer conveying members 231 and 232 are each driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by a motor MB via a transmission mechanism TB. The first developer transport member 231 transports the developer D1 rightward in FIG. 9A, and the second developer transport member 122 transports the developer D1.
Is conveyed leftward in FIG. Looking at the positional relationship between the developer supply member 22 and the developer transport members 231, 232, the developer supply member 22 is located at the lower end surface 23 of the first developer transport member 231.
L, and the upper end surface 2 of the second developer conveying member 232.
It is located in the area below 3U.

According to the developing device B1, the developer D1 in the developing device is supplied to the first and second developer conveying members 231 and 231.
The developer is conveyed and circulated by the feed roller 32, and is supplied to the intermediate developer supply member 22 while being agitated during that time, and is further supplied to the developing roller 21 therefrom. The developer D1 supplied to the developing roller 21 is charged by passing between the toner regulating member 211 and the surface of the developing roller 21, is formed into a thin layer having a predetermined thickness, is conveyed to the developing area, and is transferred to the photoconductor X1.
The above electrostatic latent image is developed.

[0086] A deteriorated developer is generated in the developing device with the use of the developing device B1.
And second developer conveying members 231 and 232 are provided,
Further, since the intermediate developer supply member 22 is arranged above the lower end surface 23L of the first developer conveying member 231 and below the upper end surface 23U of the second developer conveying member 232, the deteriorated developer is removed from the developing device. The developer is dispersed into a regular (normal) developer by the stirring action of the developer due to the movement of these members without being locally accumulated at a specific portion inside. As a result, favorable development processing can be performed for a long period of time while suppressing the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer, and the life of the developing device is prolonged accordingly. Further, in the image forming apparatus equipped with the developing device B1, even if a deteriorated developer is generated in the developing device, the deteriorated developer can be dispersed in a regular (normal) developer to suppress the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer. Therefore, it can be used for a long time without replacing the developing device, and good image quality can be maintained. <Developing Apparatus B2 shown in FIG. 10> FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus B2 shown together with the photoconductor, viewed from the side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device B2 also employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device B
Reference numeral 2 denotes a developing roller 2 in the developing device B1 shown in FIG.
1. The rotation direction of the developer supply roller 22 is set to the opposite direction,
The toner regulating member 211 ′ is in contact with the developing roller 21. The other points are the same as those of the developing device B1, and the same components and parts as those of the developing device B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the developing device B2, similarly to the developing device B1, the deteriorated developer is dispersed in the normal developer, so that it can be used for a long time without replacement. <Developing Apparatus B3 shown in FIG. 11> FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus B3 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device B3 employs a two-component developer D2 mainly composed of a toner and a carrier as a developer, and can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
The developing device B3 is different from the developing device B1 shown in FIG. 9 in that a two-component developer D2 is used instead of the one-component developer D1, and a developer carrier 25 is used instead of the developing roller 21 and the developer supply roller 22 is used. Instead, a developer supply member 26 is employed.

The developer carrier 25 has a fixed arrangement of a magnet roller 252 having N-poles and S-poles around its periphery.
The developing sleeve 251 is externally fitted to the
1 is rotated. The developer supply member 26 is also provided with a developer supply sleeve 26 on a fixedly arranged magnet roller 262 having N-poles and S-poles provided around the periphery thereof.
1 is externally fitted and the sleeve 261 is rotated.

The ear height regulating member 263 faces the developer supply sleeve 261. Other than the above, it is the same as the developing device B1 shown in FIG. Parts and portions substantially the same as those of the developing device B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Rotating members such as the developing sleeve 251 and the developer supply sleeve 261 are rotationally driven in predetermined directions by a driving device (not shown).

According to the developing device B3, the developer D2 in the developing device is conveyed and circulated in opposite directions by the developer conveying members 231 and 232, and the toner and the carrier are agitated while the developer D2 is being supplied. 261, and from there to the developing sleeve 251. The developer D2 supplied to the developer supply sleeve 261
Is held on the sleeve 261 in the state of a magnetic brush by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 262, and the developing sleeve 251
, And the height of the magnetic brush is regulated by the spike height regulating member 263 on the way.

The developing sleeve 251 receives the height-regulated magnetic brush and conveys it to the developing area, where the toner in the magnetic brush adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member X1, and develops the electrostatic latent image. I do. Also in the developing device B3, first and second developer conveying members 231 and 232 are provided, and further, above the lower end surface of the first developer conveying member 231 and below the upper end surface of the second developer conveying member 232. Since the intermediate developer supply member 26 is disposed in the developing device, the deteriorated developer does not accumulate locally at a specific portion in the developing device, but the regular ( Dispersed in (normal) developer. It can be used for a long time without the need for replacement. <Developing Device B4 shown in FIG. 12> FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B4 as viewed from the back side of the developing device, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B4 shown together with the photoconductor. FIG. 3 is a diagram viewed from the side of the developing device.

The developing device B4 employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device B
In the developing device B1 shown in FIG. 9, a developing device case 24 'is used instead of the developing device case 24, and the first developer conveying member 231 is disposed below the developer supply roller 22.
The second developer transport members 232 are respectively disposed above the developer supply rollers 22, and the third developer transport members 220 (here, developer transport paddles) are attached to the extended shaft ends 221 of the developer supply rollers 22. Is provided.

The other points are the same as those of the developing device shown in FIG. 9, and substantially the same parts and portions as those of the developing device shown in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Here, the first,
The second developer conveying members 231 and 232 are also formed longer than in the case of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9, and one end thereof faces the third developer conveying member 220.

In the developing device B4, the developer D1
Are the first, second and third developer conveying members 231 and 23
The developer is agitated while being circulated by the second and second 220, and the developer is also agitated in a region where the developer supply roller 22 and each of the developer conveying members oppose each other. It is dispersed in the regular (normal) developer without being locally accumulated at a specific site therein, and therefore can be used for a long time without replacing the developing device. <Developing Apparatus B5 shown in FIG. 13> FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the developing apparatus B5 as viewed from the rear side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device B5 employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner, and can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The developing device B5 is different from the developing device B1 shown in FIG. 9 in that a developer replenishing portion 27 for replenishing the developer D1 is provided near one end of the developer flowing portion. The other points are substantially the same as those of the developing device B1 in FIG. Components that are substantially the same as those in the developing device B1 are given the same reference numerals.

Here, the developer flowing portion 23 ′ is connected to the developer supply roller 22 and the developing roller 21 (the roller 2 in FIG. 13).
2 hidden behind). That is, here, the developing device case 24 includes the developer supply roller 22 and the portion 240 extended to the outside of the longitudinal width of the developing roller 21, and the first and second portions arranged at the back portion of the case. Developer conveying member 2
31, 232 also extend to the case extension 240.

Then, the developer supply section 27 rises from the extension 240 of the case 24. Therefore, supply unit 2
Reference numeral 7 is located outside the width of the developing roller 11 in the longitudinal direction. The replenishing section 27 is in the form of a hopper to which the developer D1 can be added from the outside, and the lower end opening 271 of the replenishing section 27 has an upper second developer conveying member 2.
The developer D1 can be supplied from above in the vicinity of the end of the developer 32.

In addition, a developer supply amount regulating member such as a shutter that can be opened and closed and a shutter / developer supply roller that regulates the developer supply amount may be provided in the lower end opening 271 of the supply unit 27. According to the developing device B5, as described above, the deteriorated developer is dispersed in the normal developer and can be used for a long time.
The developer D1 can be replenished from the container, and can be used for a longer period of time without the need for replacement.

Incidentally, the developing devices B2, B3 and B4 shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 can also be provided with a developer supply section in the same manner. In that case, the developer carriers 21 and 25,
A developer supply section can be provided outside the width of the developer supply members 22 and 26 in the longitudinal direction. <Developing Apparatus B6 shown in FIG. 14> FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus B6 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device B6 is a liquid developer D3 in which a toner and a charge control agent are dispersed in a carrier liquid as a developer.
And can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The developing device B6 includes a rotating member as a developer carrier, and more specifically, a developing roller 28. Further, a developer supply member (here, a developer supply roller) 22 ′ facing the developing roller 28 from below and a developer flowing portion 23 facing the developer supply member 22 ′ are provided.

The developing roller 28 is rotatably installed at the front and upper part of the developing device case 24 "where there is no possibility of leakage of the liquid developer, and faces the photosensitive member Y1 from the opening 241" of the case 24 ". A cleaning blade 281 is in contact with the developing roller 28. A developer supply member (developer supply roller) 22 'extends along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 28, and is located in an intermediate region of the developing device case 24 ". It is installed rotatably.

The developer flowing section 23 is provided with the developer supply member 2.
It includes first and second developer conveying members 231 and 232 extending along the longitudinal direction of 2 ′, and these are rotatably installed at fixed positions inside the developing device case 24 ″. Each of the developer transport members 231 and 232 is a developer transport screw, and the second developer transport member 232 is located above the first developer transport member 231.

The developing roller 28, the developer supply member 22 ',
The developer conveying members 231 and 232 are driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by a motor via transmission mechanisms (not shown). The developer flowing section 23 is connected to the developing device B1 (FIG. 9).
And the like, and the developer circulating direction is substantially the same.

Developer supply member 22 ′ and developer transport member 2
31 and 232, the developer supply member 2
2 ′ is located in a region above the lower end surface of the first developer conveying member 231 and below the upper end surface of the second developer conveying member 232. According to the developing device B6, the developer D3 in the developing device is conveyed in opposite directions by the developer conveying members 231 and 232, circulated, and agitated while being supplied to the developer supply roller 22 '. It is supplied to the developing roller 28.

The developing roller 28 draws up and transports the liquid developer D3 supplied from the supply roller 22 'to the developing area. The toner in the liquid developer D3 conveyed by the developing roller 28 to the developing area facing the photoreceptor Y1 electrophoreses on the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor Y1 under the application of a developing bias to the developing roller 28. The electrostatic latent image is transferred and adhered according to the principle described above to develop the electrostatic latent image.

After the development, the developer D 3 remaining on the developing roller 28 is once scraped off from the developing roller by the cleaning blade 281. Degraded developer is generated in the developing device with the use of the developing device B6.
6 also, the deteriorated developer is not locally accumulated in a specific portion in the developing device, and the developer transport members 231 and
232, the developer is dispersed into the regular (normal) developer by the stirring action of the developer due to the rotational movement of the developer supply roller 22 '. Thus, it can be used for a long time without the need for replacement.

Also in this developing device B6, as shown by a chain line in FIG.
The developer replenishing portion 27 'can be provided at the portion extending to the outside of the width in the longitudinal direction of FIG. Supply unit 27 '
In the same manner as described for the developing device A4 in FIG. 7, a bottle TB with an on-off valve V1 containing a concentrated toner liquid having a higher toner concentration and a bottle with an on-off valve V2 containing a charge control agent are stored. On-off valve V3 containing CB and carrier liquid
Can be mounted with a bottle LB, and each bottle can be replaced with a new one.

By providing the developer replenishing section 27 'in this way, the developing device B6 can be replaced for a longer time without the need for replacement.
Can be used. <Developing Device B7 shown in FIG. 15> FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B7, as viewed from the side of the developing device. The developing device B7 employs a two-component developer D2 mainly composed of a toner and a carrier as a developer, and can be used by being mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

A developing device B7 shown in FIG.
3, a control electrode array portion 29 facing the developer carrier 25 is provided. In a state where the recording sheet S is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the recording sheet S passes while being exposed to the control electrode array unit 29. Further, a back electrode 291 is arranged on the back side of the recording sheet S. Other than the above, it is the same as the developing device B3 shown in FIG. 11, and the same reference numerals are given to the parts and portions that are substantially the same as the developing device shown in FIG.

A large number of control electrodes are arranged in the control electrode arrangement section 29. A voltage for forming a toner flying electric field is applied to each control electrode from a control voltage application section (not shown) at a predetermined timing. And back electrode 2
A voltage for drawing the toner is applied to the power supply 91 from a power supply (not shown). Thus, the toner supplied from the developer carrier 25 flies and adheres on the recording sheet S, and a toner image is formed directly on the recording sheet.

The developing device B7 can also disperse the deteriorated developer in the normal developer. Further, a developer supply section may be provided. <Developing device C1 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B>
FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C1, viewed from the rear side of the developing device, and FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C1 shown together with the photoconductor, from the side of the developing device. FIG.

The developing device C1 employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device C
1 includes a rotating member as a developer carrying member, and more specifically, a developing roller 31. Further, a first developer flowing portion 32 facing the developing roller 31 and a developer replenishing portion and developer flowing portion 3 communicating with the vicinity of one end of the developer flowing portion 32 are provided.
3 is provided.

The developing roller 31 is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the developing device case 34. A toner regulating member 311 whose upper end is supported by the developing device case 34 elastically contacts the rear surface of the developing roller 31. Developing roller 31
Faces the photoconductor X <b> 1 from the upper end opening 341 of the case 34. The developer flowing portion 32 includes first and second developer conveying members 321 and 3 extending along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 31.
22, which are rotatably installed at fixed positions in the lower portion of the developing device case 34. Each of the developer conveying members 321 and 322 is a developer conveying screw, and the second developer conveying member 322 is located below the developing roller 31 and above the first developer conveying member 321. .

The developer replenishing portion / flow portion 33 includes first and second developer conveying members 331 and 332 extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 31, and these are a replenishing portion / flow portion. It is arranged in the case 333 constituting the part 33 in parallel in the vertical direction, and is rotatably installed. Each of the developer conveying members 331 and 332 is a developer conveying screw.

The developing roller 31, the developer conveying member 321,
Each of the motors 322, 331, and 332 is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by a motor MC1 via a transmission mechanism TC1. The first developer conveying member 321 in the developer flowing section 32 conveys the developer D1 in the right direction in the drawing away from the replenishing section / flow section 33, and the second developer conveying member 322 serves as the replenishing section for the developer D1. The sheet is conveyed to the left in the drawing approaching the flowing section 33.

The developer transporting member 331 in the replenishing section / flowing section 33 moves the developer D1 upward to move the developer transporting member 332 upward.
Transports the developer D1 downward. The lower portion of the developing device case 34 has a portion 342 extending beyond the upper width and outside the longitudinal width of the developing roller 31, and the developer conveying members 321 and 322 extend to the portion 342. I have. Further, the developer replenishing portion / flow portion 33 rises from the portion 342.

Therefore, the replenishing portion / flow portion 33 is provided with the developing roller 3
1 outside the longitudinal width. The case 333 of the developer replenishing portion / flowing portion 33 is in the form of a hopper to which the developer D1 can be added from the outside, and the lower end opening of the case 333 is the second upper portion of the flowing portion 32. It communicates with a region near the end of the developer conveying member 322.

Thus, the developer flowing direction (left-right direction in the figure) in the developer flowing section 32 and the developer replenishing section / flow section 33
Are different from each other, and both developer flow regions are in contact with each other. According to the developing device C1, the developer D1 in the developing device is transferred to the developer conveying members 321 and 32 of the developer flowing section 32.
2, the developer D1 in the replenishing / flowing unit 33 is conveyed in opposite directions by the developer conveying members 331 and 332, circulated, and circulated. Is stirred. Further, in a portion where both developer flow areas are in contact with each other, the developer is agitated such that a part of the developer in each flow section is exchanged with each other. Thus, the developer D1 is sufficiently stirred.

The supply of the developer D1 to the developing roller 31 is as follows.
Mainly the second developer conveying member 322 of the developer flowing section 32
Made from. The developer D1 supplied to the developing roller 31
Is charged by passing between the toner regulating member 311 and the surface of the developing roller 31 and is formed into a thin layer having a predetermined thickness. In this state, the thin layer is conveyed to a developing area opposed to the photoconductor X1, and For the development of the electrostatic latent image.

As described above, the developing device C1 is provided with not only the first developer flowing portion 32 for supplying the developer to the developing roller 31, but also the second developer flowing portion 33. Since the developer D1 is also stored, the developer storage space and the amount of the stored developer are large, so that the developer flows and agitates in a good state by using the wide area, whereby the deteriorated developer can be normally restored. The developer can be dispersed in a suitable developer to suppress the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer, and can be used continuously for a long time in combination with the large amount of developer.

Although the developer D1 (toner) in the developing device is consumed as the developing device C1 is used, the developer D1 (toner) is externally added to the replenishing / flowing portion 33. In the replenishment / flow section 33 to the developer flow section 3
2 near the end of the second developer conveying member 322 and further from there near the end of the first developer conveying member 321.
1 is supplied, and the developer D1 is stably supplied to the developing roller 31.

Thus, the developing device C1 has a long life which can be used for a long time. Further, since the developer replenishing portion and flowing portion 33 is provided continuously near the end of the first developer flowing portion 32, it is particularly located outside the width of the developing roller 31 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the size of the image forming apparatus main body (image forming engine) is not greatly affected, so that the image forming apparatus in which the developing device is mounted is not negligible and does not cause a particularly large size. <Developing device C2 shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B>
FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C2 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.
Is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C2, as viewed from the upper surface side of the developing device.

The developing device C2 also employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device C
2 also has a developing roller 31. Further, a developer supply member (here, a developer supply roller) 35 facing the developing roller 31 from behind, a first developer flowing portion 32 facing the developer supply roller 35 from below, and a first developer flowing portion 32 are provided. A developer supply section and a developer flowing section 36 communicating with the vicinity of one end of the section 32 are provided.

The developing roller 31 is rotatably mounted above the developing device case 34 '. A toner regulating member 311 ′ whose lower end is supported by the developing device case 34 ′ elastically contacts the rear surface of the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 faces the photoconductor X1 from the upper end opening 341 'of the case 34'. The developer supply roller 35 extends along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 31, and is rotatably installed above the developing device case 34 '.

The first developer flowing portion 32 includes first and second developer conveying members 321 and 322 extending along the longitudinal direction of the developer supply roller 35, and these members are provided in the developing device case 34 '. It is installed rotatably at a fixed position in the lower part. Each of the developer transport members 321 and 322 is a developer transport screw, and the second developer transport member 322 is located below the developer supply roller 35 and above the first developer transport member 321. ing.

The developer replenishing portion / flow portion 36 includes first and second developer conveying members 361 and 362 extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 31, and these are a replenishing portion / flow portion. It is disposed in a case 363 constituting the portion 36 in a substantially horizontal direction in parallel, and is rotatably installed. The transport member 362 is located above the transport member 361.
Each of the developer conveying members 361 and 362 is a developer conveying screw.

The developing roller 31, the developer supply roller 35,
The developer conveying members 321, 322, 361, 362 are each driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by a motor MC2 via a transmission mechanism TC2. The first developer transport member 321 in the developer flowing section 32 supplies the developer D1 to the replenishing section and flowing section 3.
The second developer conveying member 322 conveys the developer D1 away from the left side in FIG. 17B, and conveys the developer D1 rightward in FIG.

The developer carrying member 361 in the replenishing / flowing section 36 carries the developer D1 toward the developer flowing section 32, and the developer carrying member 362 carries the developer D1 away from the developer flowing section 32. . The lower part of the developing device case 34 ′ has a portion 343 extending beyond the upper width and outside the longitudinal width of the developing roller 31, and the developer conveying members 321 and 322 extend to the portion 343. ing.
In addition, a developer replenishing portion / flow portion 36 is formed in communication with the portion 343.

Therefore, the replenishing portion / flow portion 36 is provided with the developing roller 3.
1 outside the longitudinal width. Here, the case 363 of the developer replenishing portion / flowing portion 36 allows the developer D1 to be externally added.
The opening 63 on the side of the developer flowing portion 32 communicates with a region near the end of the developer conveying member above and below the flowing portion 32.

Thus, the developer flowing direction in the developer flowing section 32 and the developer flowing direction in the developer replenishing section and flowing section 36 are different from each other, and the two developer flowing areas are in contact with each other. According to the developing device C2,
The developer D1 in the developing device is conveyed in opposite directions by the developer conveying members 321 and 322 of the developer flowing section 32, circulates and is agitated during that, and the developer D1 in the replenishing section and flowing section 36 is also supplied. Are transported in opposite directions by the developer transport members 361 and 362, circulate, and are agitated during that time. Further, in a portion where both developer flow areas are in contact with each other, the developer is agitated such that a part of the developer in each flow section is exchanged with each other. Thus, the developer D1 is sufficiently stirred.

The supply of the developer D1 to the developing roller 31 is as follows.
The operation is performed from a developer supply roller 35. The developer D1 supplied to the developing roller 31 is charged by passing between the toner regulating member 311 'and the surface of the developing roller 31, and is formed into a thin layer having a predetermined thickness. To the developing area where the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor X1 is developed.

As described above, the developing device C2
Also, since the first and second developer flowing sections 32 and 36 are provided, the developer storing space and the amount of stored developer are large, and the flow of the developer can be improved in a good state by using the wide area. Stirring is performed, whereby the deteriorated developer is dispersed in a normal developer, so that the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer can be suppressed. In addition to the large amount of developer, the developer can be used for a long time.

Although the developer D1 (toner) in the developing device is consumed with the use of the developing device C2, the developer D1 (toner) is externally added to the replenishing / flowing portion. In the replenishment / flow section 36 to the developer flow section 3
2 and the developer supply roller 35 therefrom.
The developer D1 is stably supplied to the developing roller 31 via the. Thus, the developing device C1 has a long life that can be used for a long time.

Further, since the developer replenishing portion and flowing portion 36 is provided near the end of the first developer flowing portion 32,
More particularly, since it is located outside the width in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 31, the influence on the size of the image forming apparatus main body (image forming engine) is small, and therefore, the image forming apparatus in which this developing apparatus is mounted There is no particular size increase that is difficult to ignore. <Developing device C3 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B>
FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C3 as viewed from the rear side of the developing device, and FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C3 shown with the photoconductor, viewed from the side of the developing device. FIG.

The developing device C3 also employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device C
Reference numeral 3 denotes a developer replenishing section / flow section 3 instead of the developer replenishing section / flow section 33 in the developing device C1 shown in FIG.
3 'is adopted. Other points are the developing device C1.
Is the same as Components that are substantially the same as the components and portions of the developing device C1 are given the same reference numerals.

The developer replenishing portion / flow portion 33 ′ is provided with an air channel portion 331 formed in communication with a portion 342 of the first developer flowing portion 32 protruding outside the developing roller 31 (a protruding portion of the developing device case 34). 'And an air supply device AS connected to the lower surface of the protruding portion 342 via a filter F1. The wind tunnel section 331 'also functions as a developer supply section. A filter F2 is provided at the upper end of the wind tunnel 331 '.

The filters F1 and F2 both permit the passage of air but prevent the passage of the developer D1.
The developer D1 can be supplied to the wind tunnel 331 'from the outside, and the developer contained therein flows in the vertical direction by air blown from below. That is, the developer flowing direction (the horizontal direction in the figure) in the developer flowing section 32 and the developer flowing direction (the vertical direction in the figure) in the developer replenishing section and flowing section 33 'are different from each other. The agent flow zones are in contact with each other.

According to the developing device C3, the developer D1 in the developing device is transferred to the developer conveying member 32 of the developer flowing section 32.
1, 322, conveyed in opposite directions and circulated,
During this time, the air is blown up and supplied from the air supply device AS to the wind tunnel 331 'in the replenishing section / flowing section 33', so that the developer D1 in the wind tunnel is also caused to flow. Further, in a portion where both developer flow areas are in contact with each other, the developer is agitated such that a part of the developer in each flow section is exchanged with each other. Thus, the developer D1 is sufficiently stirred.

In the developing device C3, not only the first developer flowing section 32 for supplying the developer to the developing roller 31, but also a second developer flowing section 33 'is provided, and the developer D1 is also provided there. Is stored, so the developer storage space,
The amount of developer contained is large, and the developer is flowed and agitated in a good condition by using the wide range, so that the deteriorated developer can be dispersed in the normal developer and the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer can be suppressed. Combined with a large amount of developer, it can be used for a long time.

Further, the developer D1 (toner) in the developing device is consumed as the developing device C3 is used, but the developer D1 (toner) is externally added to the replenishing / flowing portion 33 '. Thus, the developer D <b> 1 is stably supplied from the replenishment / flow section 33 ′ to the developer flow section 32 and further to the developing roller 31. Thus, the developing device C3 has a long life that can be used for a long time. The developer replenishing portion / flowing portion 33 'has little influence on the size of the image forming apparatus main body (image forming engine) from its position.
Therefore, the image forming apparatus in which the developing device is mounted is not negligible and does not cause a particularly large size. <Developing device C4 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B>
19A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C4, as viewed from the upper surface side of the developing device, and FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C4 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side surface of the developing device. FIG.

The developing device C4 also employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device C
4 also has a developing roller 31. Further, a developer flowing portion 32 facing the developing roller 31 from behind, and adjacent to the developing roller 31 and near one end of the developer flowing portion 32 (outward from the developing roller 31 of the developing device case 34 ") The developer accommodating space 37 communicating with the projecting portion 344), and the developer flowing portion 32 on the same side as the space 37.
And a developer replenishing hopper 38 for replenishing the developer D1 in the vicinity of the end of the developing device.

The developer accommodating space 37 is provided in the developing device case 3.
4 ". The developing roller 31 is rotatably installed at the front of the developing device case 34".
A toner regulating member 311 "supported by a developing device case 34" is in elastic contact with the rear surface of the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 faces the photoconductor X1. The developer flowing portion 32 is a first developer extending along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 31.
And second developer conveying members 321 and 322. The second developer transport member 322 is a first developer transport member 3
The developer is disposed above and can transport and circulate the developer in opposite directions. The developer flowing section 32 has substantially the same configuration as the developer flowing section 32 in the developing device C2 shown in FIG.

The developing roller shaft 3 is provided in the developer accommodating space 37.
10 penetrates, and a rotary paddle 371 for moving the developer is fitted thereto. The rotary paddle 371 rotates together with the developing roller 31 to facilitate the flow of the developer into and out of the space 37. Developing roller 31, developer conveying member 3
Each of the motors 21 and 322 is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by a motor MC4 via a transmission mechanism TC4.

The developer supply hopper 38 is connected to the developing roller 31.
And the developer D1 can be added from outside. According to the developing device C4, the developer D1 in the developing device is accommodated not only in the developer flowing portion 32 but also in the developer accommodating space portion 37 adjacent to the developer roller 31, and flows through the developer flowing portion 32. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member X1 is supplied from the developer flowing section 32 to the developing roller 31 while being stirred and flowing and stirring while partly replacing the developer in the developer accommodating space 37. For development.

Since the developer accommodating space portion 37 is provided in this manner, the developer accommodating space and the amount of the accommodated developer are large, and the flow and stirring of the developer can be performed in a good state by using the wide area. This makes it possible to disperse the deteriorated developer in a normal developer, thereby suppressing the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer, and in combination with the large amount of the developer, the developer can be used continuously for a long time.

Further, since the developer accommodating space 37 can be compactly provided in a region adjacent to the developing roller, it is possible to avoid a non-negligible increase in the size of the image forming apparatus in which the developing device is mounted. Further, since the developer replenishing hopper 38 is provided, when the developer is consumed, the developer can be replenished via the hopper 38 and can be used for a longer time. <Developing device C5 shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B>
FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C5, as viewed from the upper surface side of the developing device. FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C5 shown together with the photoconductor, viewed from the side of the developing device. FIG.

The developing device C5 also employs a one-component developer D1 mainly composed of toner as a developer.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Developing device C
5 also has a developing roller 31. Further, a developer supply roller 39 facing the development roller 31 from behind, a developer flowing portion 32 behind the developer supply roller 39, and a developer supply roller 3
9, a developer accommodating space 3 communicating with the vicinity of one end of the developer flowing portion 32 (portion 344 protruding outside of the developing roller 31 of the developing device case 34 '').
7 'and the developer flowing section 3 on the same side as the space 37'.
A developer replenishing hopper 38 for replenishing the developer D1 is provided in the vicinity of the end of the second developer supply D2.

The developer accommodating space 37 'is formed integrally with the developing device case 34 "and extends to a region adjacent to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 is provided at the front of the developing device case 34". It is installed rotatably. A toner regulating member 311 "supported by a developing device case 34" is in elastic contact with the rear surface of the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 faces the photoconductor X1.

The developer flowing section 32 is provided with first and second developer conveying members 3 extending along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 31.
21, 322. Second developer transport member 322
Is disposed above the first developer transport member 321;
The developer can be conveyed in the opposite directions and circulated. The developer flowing section 32 has substantially the same configuration as the developer flowing section 32 in the developing device C2 shown in FIG.

A developer supply roller shaft 390 and a development roller shaft 310 penetrate the developer accommodating space 37 '.
These are respectively provided with rotary paddles 372, 3 for moving the developer.
73 is fitted. These rotary paddles 372, 373
Rotates together with the developer supply roller 39 and the development roller 31 to facilitate the flow of the developer into and out of the space 37 '. The developing roller 31, the developer supply roller 39, and the developer conveying members 321 and 322 are each driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by a motor MC5 via a transmission mechanism TC5.

The developer supply hopper 38 is connected to the developing roller 31.
And the developer D1 can be added from outside. According to the developing device C5, the developer in the developing device is accommodated not only in the developer flowing portion 32 but also in the developer accommodating space portion 37 'adjacent to the developer supply roller 39 and the developing roller 31. While flowing and being agitated by the flow section 32, a part of the developer is supplied from the developer flow section 32 while flowing and being stirred while replacing the developer in the developer accommodating space section 37 '.
9 and further to the developing roller 31 to be used for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor X1.

Since the developer accommodating space portion 37 'is provided in this manner, the developer accommodating space and the amount of the accommodated developer are large, and the flow and stirring of the developer can be performed in a favorable state by using the wide area. Accordingly, the deteriorated developer can be dispersed in the normal developer to suppress the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer, and can be used continuously for a long time in combination with the large amount of developer.

Further, since the developer accommodating space 37 'can be compactly provided in a region adjacent to the developer supply roller 39 and the developing roller 31, the size of the image forming apparatus in which the developing device is mounted cannot be ignored. Can be avoided. Further, since the developer replenishing hopper 38 is provided, when the developer is consumed, the developer can be replenished via the hopper 38 and can be used for a longer time. <Developing Device C6 shown in FIG. 21> FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C6 shown together with the photoreceptor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

The developing device C6 employs a two-component developer D2 mainly composed of a toner and a carrier as a developer, and can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The developing device C6 is different from the developing device C2 shown in FIG. 17 in that a two-component developer D2 is used instead of the one-component developer D1, and the developer carrier 300 is disposed at the position of the developing roller 31.

The developer carrier 300 has a fixed arrangement of a magnet roller 30 having N-pole and S-pole magnetic poles around it.
2, a developing sleeve 301 is externally fitted,
01 is rotated. An ear height regulating member 303 faces the developing sleeve 301. Other than the above, it is the same as the developing device C2 shown in FIG.
Parts and portions substantially the same as those of the developing device shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Developing sleeve 301, developer supply member 35, developer conveying members 321, 322, 361, 3
The rotating members such as 62 are driven to rotate in predetermined directions by a driving device (not shown).

According to the developing device C6, the developer D2
Are transported and circulated in opposite directions in the developer flowing section 32 and the replenishing / flowing section 36, respectively, and are agitated therebetween. Further, in a portion where both developer flow areas are in contact with each other, the developer is agitated such that a part of the developer in each flow section is exchanged with each other. Thus, the developer D2 is sufficiently stirred.

The developer D2 is supplied to the developing sleeve 301 from the developer supply roller 35. The developer D2 supplied to the developing sleeve 301 is held in the form of a magnetic brush, is regulated in height by the spike height regulating member 303, is conveyed to the developing area, and is used for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor X1. Is done. The developing device C6 also has a large developer accommodating space and a large amount of contained developer, so that the developer can be flowed and agitated in a favorable state using the wide area, and can be used for a long time.

Further, the toner consumed with use of the developing device C6 can be replenished by adding toner from the outside to the replenishing portion / flowing portion 36, and can be used for a longer time. Moreover, the image forming apparatus is not negligible, and does not cause a particularly large size. <Developing Device C7 shown in FIG. 22> FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C7 shown together with the photoreceptor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

The developing device C7 employs a liquid developer D3 as a developer, and can be used by mounting it on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. This developing device C7 has a structure similar to that of the developing device C4 shown in FIG. The developing device C7 is different from the developing device C4 in that the developing device case 3
4 ”, a case 340 capable of containing a liquid developer is employed.
04, and a developer replenishing section 38 'is employed in place of the developer replenishing section 38.

The developer replenishing section 38 'contains a bottle TB with an on-off valve V1 containing a concentrated toner solution having a higher toner concentration, a bottle CB with an on-off valve V2 containing a charge control agent, and a carrier. A bottle LB with an on-off valve V3 containing a liquid is mounted. Each bottle can be replaced with a new one. Other points are substantially the same as those of the developing device C4. Components substantially the same as the components and portions in the developing device C4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

According to the developing device C7, the developer D3 in the developing device is accommodated not only in the developer flowing section 32 but also in the developer accommodating space 37 ″ adjacent to the developer roller 304. The developer is supplied from the developer flowing part 32 to the developing roller 304 while being flown and stirred by the part 32 and further partly flowing and being stirred while replacing the developer in the developer accommodating space part 37. The developing roller 304 is The supplied liquid developer D3 is pumped and conveyed to the development area, and is used for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor Y1.

By providing the developer accommodating space portion 37 "in this manner, the developer accommodating amount is increased accordingly and the developer can be used for a long time. With the use of the developing device C7, the components in the developer D3 are Although consumed, the developer component that has become insufficient can be appropriately replenished from the developer replenishing section 38 ', and the empty bottle can be replaced.

The dry developing device of the type having the first and second developer flowing portions having different developer flowing directions described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 and FIG.
The dry developing device of the type having the developer accommodating space described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20 is slightly modified as needed, and the developing device A5 or B7 shown in FIGS. As described above, the developing device of the direct recording type by applying the control electrode array portion and the back electrode can be used by being mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. <Developing Apparatus E1 shown in FIG. 23> FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus E1 shown together with the photoconductor X1, as viewed from the side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device E1 employs a negatively chargeable one-component developer D1 as a developer here.
Can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Photoconductor X1
Is a negatively charged photoreceptor here. This developing device E1
The developing device B5 shown in FIG. 13 in which the developer replenishing section 27 is provided in the developing device B1 shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a developer empty detecting device S1 and a deteriorated developer discharging device 4. The other points are the same as those of the developing device B5 shown in FIG. 13, and the same components as those of the developing device B5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The developer empty detecting device S1 is mounted on the developing device case 24, and includes a light projecting portion S11 and a light receiving portion S12 that receives light from the light projecting portion when the developer D1 approaches an empty state. Contains. The deteriorated developer discharging device 4
When the empty detecting device S1 detects the empty state of the developer in the developing device case 24, the deteriorated toner charged to the polarity (positive) opposite to the normal charging polarity (negative) from the residual developer is exposed to the photosensitive member X1. And discharges it outside the developing device.

The deteriorated developer discharging device 4 is connected to the charger X2,
A power supply unit P capable of switching an applied voltage, which applies -600 V during image formation and applies -900 V when discharging deteriorated toner.
W1, a power supply unit PW2 for applying −450 V both when forming an image on the developing roller 21 and when deteriorating toner is discharged, and between the developer supplying roller 22 and the developing roller 21 on the side of the developer supplying roller 22; Apply 550V,
When the deteriorated toner is discharged, -500 V is applied between the power supply unit PW3 which can switch the applied voltage and the toner regulating member 211 and the developing roller 21. The apparatus includes a power supply unit PW4 capable of switching an applied voltage for applying -350 V when discharging toner, and a control unit CONT for switching applied voltages from the power supply units PW1 to PW4.

The empty detecting device S1 has a control unit CONT.
It is connected to the. In the image forming process when the detecting device S1 does not detect the empty state of the stored developer, the control unit CONT sends the signal from the power supply unit PW1 to the charger X2.
600V is applied to the developing roller 21 from the power supply unit PW2 by -45.
0V is applied to the developer supply roller 22 from the power supply unit PW3 by -5.
50 V from the power supply unit PW4 to the toner regulating member 211-
500 V is applied.

Thus, the developer is transferred from the developing roller 21 to the electrostatic latent image formed by image-exposing the charged area of the photoconductor by the charger X2 and lowering the potential, thereby forming a toner image. . The developing device B5 shown in FIG.
As in the case of (1), the developer supply roller 22 is disposed in a region above the lower end surface of the lower developer conveying member 231 of the developer flowing portion 23 and below the upper end surface of the upper developer conveying member 232. Accordingly, even if the deteriorated developer is generated, the deteriorated developer is dispersed in the normal developer, and the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer is suppressed.

When the developer amount of the developing device main body decreases and the developer D1 is stored in the developer replenishing section 27 at that time,
The developer is supplied from the supply section 27. When the empty detection device S1 detects the empty state of the developer in the developing device case 24, the control unit CONT supplies -900V to the charger X2 from the power supply unit PW1, -450V to the developing roller 21 from the power supply unit PW2, and The unit PW3 applies -350V to the developer supply roller 22, and the power supply unit PW4 applies -350V to the toner regulating member 211.

In this way, the degraded toner having the opposite polarity (positive) in the residual developer in the developing device can be transferred to the photosensitive member X1, and can be carried out of the developing device. The deteriorated toner adhered to the photoconductor X1 can be removed and cleaned by the cleaning device X6 of the photoconductor X1. After the deteriorated toner is discharged in this way, a new developer is supplied through the developer supply unit 27, and the next image forming process is performed in a state where the deteriorated toner is not mixed into the new developer. I can do it.

As described above, in the developing device E1, the deteriorated developer can be dispersed in the normal developer.
Since the developer can be supplied from the outside via the developer supply section 27 and the deteriorated developer can be discharged to the outside of the developing device, the developing device can be used for a long time without having to replace the developing device. In addition, a developer supply amount regulating member such as a shutter that can be opened and closed or a shutter and developer supply roller that regulates the developer supply amount may be provided in the lower end opening 271 of the supply unit 27.
Further, the developer supply amount regulating member may be operated under the instruction of the control unit CONT. <Developing Device E2 shown in FIG. 24> FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device E2, as viewed from the rear side of the developing device.

The developing device E2 employs a one-component developer D1 as a developer, and can be used by being mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The developing device E2 is different from the developing device C3 shown in FIG.
Instead of 3 ', a hopper type developer supply section 51 for supplying the developer near the end of the developer flowing section 32 is provided. Further, a developer empty detecting device S2 is provided in the developing device case 34, and a developer collecting section 52 is provided outside the developing device. Other points are the same as those of the developing device C3 shown in FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the same parts and parts as in FIG.

The developer supply section 51 is formed in communication with a portion 342 of the developer flowing portion 32 which protrudes outside the developing roller 31 (a protruding portion of the developing device case 34). The developer collecting portion 52 is provided below the case projecting portion 342, is outside the developing device, and accommodates a developer bottle 53 in a replaceable manner. Developing device case 24 of collection unit 52
The opening communicating with the inside can be opened and closed by a lid 521. Lid 5
21 can be opened and closed by a solenoid SOL1.

The developer empty detecting device S2 is of a weighing type. In this case, the empty state of the stored developer is detected by measuring the weight of the entire developing device E2. Solenoid SOL1 and empty detector S
2 is connected to the control unit CONT '.

In the image forming process when the detecting device S2 does not detect the empty state of the stored developer, the control unit CONT ′ controls the developer collection unit 5 by the solenoid SOL1.
The second lid 521 is closed. With the lid 521 closed, the electrostatic latent image can be developed in the same manner as the developing device C3 in FIG. When the amount of the developer in the developing device main body decreases, and the developer D1 is stored in the developer supply unit 51 at that time, the developer is supplied from the supply unit 51.

When the empty detecting device S2 detects the empty state of the developer in the developing device, the control unit CONT '
Instructs the solenoid SOL1 to open the lid 521 of the developer collecting section 52. Then, by the continuous rotation of the first and second developer conveying members 321 and 322 of the developer flowing unit 32, the residual developer including the deteriorated developer is collected by the collecting unit 5.
The developer is discharged to a developer collection bottle 53 provided in the second container 2. Thereafter, the control unit CONT ′ instructs the solenoid SOL1 to close the lid 521 of the developer collection unit 52. When the bottle 53 becomes full, it is replaced with a new one.

The developer conveying members 321 and 32 described above
2. The developer collecting unit 52, the control unit CONT ', and the like constitute a developer discharging device. After the residual developer is discharged to the outside in this manner, new developer is supplied through the developer supply unit 51, and the next image formation is performed in a state where the deteriorated toner is not mixed into the new developer. Can run the process.

As described above, in the developing device E2, the developer can be replenished from the outside via the developer replenishing section 51, and the deteriorated developer can be discharged to the outside of the developing device. Can be used across. Note that a developer replenishing amount regulating member such as a shutter that can be opened and closed and a shutter and developer replenishing roller that regulates the developer replenishing amount may be provided in the lower end opening 511 of the replenishing unit 51. Further, such a developer supply amount regulating member is controlled by the control unit CO.
The operation may be performed under the instruction of NT '. <Developing Apparatus E3 shown in FIG. 25> FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the developing apparatus E3 as viewed from the rear side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device E3 employs a one-component developer D1 as a developer, and can be used by mounting it on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The developing device E3 is a developing device B5 shown in FIG. 13 and has a lower wall 240 of a protruding portion (a portion protruding outside the longitudinal width of the developing roller) 240 of the developing device case 24 in which the developer supply section 27 is connected. Is provided with a filter F3, and a developer collecting portion 61 for replaceably holding a developer collecting bottle 62 below the filter F3. The other points are the same as those of the developing device B5 shown in FIG. 13, and the same components as those of the developing device B5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The filter F3 is a mesh filter. During the operation of the developing device, the developer circulating and moving by the first and second developer conveying members 231 and 232 in the developer flowing section 23 'of the developing device. A small-diameter deteriorated developer, such as a toner having a diameter smaller than the regular diameter, is fractionated and dropped into the bottle 62 of the developer collection unit 61. The developing device E3 is shown in FIG.
3 can be used for developing the electrostatic latent image in the same manner as the developing device of No. 3, but during that time the deteriorated developer can be fractionated and discharged, so that the developer in the developing device does not contain the deteriorated developer. It can be maintained in a state that is negligible even if it is contained, and can be used for a long time without having to replace the entire developing device for the deteriorated developer.

Further, similarly to the case of the developing device B5 shown in FIG. 13, even if the deteriorated developer is generated, it is dispersed in the normal developer, and the adverse effect of the deteriorated developer is suppressed. Further, when the developer amount of the developing device main body decreases, the developer can be supplied from the developer supply section 27. Also in these respects, it can be used for a long time without replacement. Also in this developing device, a developer supply amount regulating member such as a shutter that can be opened and closed and a shutter / developer supply roller that regulates the developer supply amount is provided at the lower end opening 271 of the developer supply unit 27. Is also good.

Each of the dry developing devices E1, E2, and E3 described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25 employs a one-component developer. By changing to a developer carrying member including a roller, a two-component developing device can be provided. In addition, a slight change is made as needed, and a control device with an array of control electrodes and a back electrode as in the developing devices A5 and B7 shown in FIGS. The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. <Developing Apparatus E4 shown in FIG. 26> FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the developing apparatus E4 as viewed from the side of the developing apparatus.

The developing device E4 employs a liquid developer D3 as a developer, and can be mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and used. The developing device E4 is provided below a protruding portion (a portion protruding outward from the longitudinal width of the developing roller) of a developing device case 24 "in which a developer replenishing portion 27 'is connected in the developing device B6 shown in FIG. An opening / closing lid 631 that can be closed in a liquid-tight manner is provided on the wall, a developer collecting bottle 63 is provided under the lid 631 so as to be replaceable, and a developer empty detecting device S3 is provided in the developing device case 24 ″. is there. The other points are the same as those of the developing device B6 shown in FIG. 14, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components and parts in the developing device B6.

The cover 631 can be driven to open and close by a solenoid SOL2. The developer empty detection device S3 is of a weighing type, and here detects the empty state of the stored developer by measuring the weight of the entire development device E4. Solenoid SOL2 and empty detector S
3 is connected to the control unit CONT ".

The control unit CONT ″ causes the solenoid SOL2 to close the lid 631 in the image forming process when the detecting device S3 does not detect the empty state of the stored developer. 14 can be used to develop an electrostatic latent image in the same manner as the developing device B6 of FIG.14. When the developer components are stored in the supply bottles TB, CB, and LB, the insufficient developer components are supplied from the supply unit 27 '.

Although the deteriorated developer is generated in the developing device with use, the first and second developer conveying members 231 and 231 are used.
Due to the positional relationship of the developer supply roller 22 'with respect to the developer 232, the deteriorated developer is dispersed in a normal developer without being locally accumulated at a specific portion in the developing device. When the empty detection device S3 detects the empty state of the developer in the developing device, the control unit CONT "instructs the solenoid SOL2 to open the lid 631.

Then, the remaining developer including the deteriorated developer is discharged to the recovery bottle 63 by the continuous rotation of the first and second developer conveying members 231 and 232 of the developer flowing section 23. Thereafter, the control unit CONT "sets the solenoid SO
Instruct L2 to close lid 631. When the bottle 63 becomes full, it is replaced with a new one. After the residual developer has been discharged to the outside in this manner, new developer is supplied through the developer supply section 27 ', and the next image is formed without the deteriorated toner mixed into the new developer. The forming process can be performed.

As described above, in the developing device E4, the developer can be replenished from the outside via the developer replenishing section 27 ', the deteriorated developer can be dispersed in the normal developer, and the deteriorated developer can be dispersed. By being able to discharge to the outside of the developing device, it can be used for a long time without the need to replace the developing device.

[0189]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing device which can be used for a long time and has a long life. Furthermore, according to the present invention, even if a deteriorated developer is generated, it can be discharged to the outside of the developing device, and a long-life developing device that can be used for a long time without replacement is provided. .

Further, according to the present invention, even if a deteriorated developer is generated in the mounted developing device, it can be discharged to the outside of the developing device, so that it can be used for a long period without replacing the developing device. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can maintain good image quality.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus employing a dry developing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus employing a liquid developing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus employing a direct recording (direct developing) developing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device A1, viewed from the back side of the developing device, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device A1 shown with a photoconductor; It is the figure seen from the side.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a developing device A2 shown together with a photoconductor,
FIG. 3 is a diagram viewed from a side surface of the developing device.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a developing device A3 shown together with a photoconductor,
FIG. 3 is a diagram viewed from a side surface of the developing device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device A4 shown together with the photoconductor,
FIG. 3 is a diagram viewed from a side surface of the developing device.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device A5, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

9A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B1, viewed from the rear side of the developing device, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B1 shown with a photoconductor; It is the figure seen from the side.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B2 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B3 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B4, as viewed from the rear side of the developing device. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B4 shown with a photoconductor, and FIG. It is the figure seen from the side.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B5 as viewed from the rear side of the developing device.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B6 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device B7 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C1, viewed from the rear side of the developing device, and FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C1 shown with a photoconductor; It is the figure seen from the side surface side.

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C2 shown with the photoconductor, viewed from the side of the developing device, and FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C2; It is the figure seen from the upper surface side.

18A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C3 as viewed from the back side of the developing device, and FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C3 shown with a photoconductor; It is the figure seen from the side.

19A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C4, viewed from the upper surface side of the developing device, and FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C4 shown together with the photoconductor; It is the figure seen from the side.

20A is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C5 as viewed from the upper surface side of the developing device, and FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C4 shown with a photoconductor; It is the figure seen from the side.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C6 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device C7 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device E1 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device E2, as viewed from the rear side of the developing device.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device E3 as viewed from the rear side of the developing device.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device E4 shown together with the photoconductor, as viewed from the side of the developing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 X1, Y1 Photoreceptor drum X2, Y2 Charger X3, Y3 Image exposure device X4, Y4 Developing device X5, Y6 Transfer device Y5 Squeeze device X6, Y7 Cleaning device X7, Y8 Static eliminator TMX, YMY, TMZ Timing roller pair FX, FY, FZ Fixing device CX Recording sheet cassette CXR Feed roller Z1 Developing device Z11 Developer supply portion Z12 Control electrode array portion Z13 Back electrode Z2 Control voltage applying portion S Recording sheet A1 Developing device D1 One-component developer 11 Developing roller 111 Toner Control member 12 Developer flowing section 121, 122 Developer transport member 13 Developer supply section 131 Lower end opening of supply section 14 Developing device case 141 Upper opening of case 142 Projecting portion of developing device case TA transmission mechanism MA motor A2 Developing device 15 Developer supply section (Developer supply roller) 111 ′ Toner regulating member A3 Developing device D2 Two-component developer 16 Developer carrier 161 Developing sleeve 162 Magnet roller 163 Spike height regulating member A4 Developing device D3 Liquid developer 14 ′ Developing device case 17 Developing roller 13 'Developer replenishing section TB Concentrated toner liquid bottle CB Charge control agent bottle LB Carrier liquid bottle V1, V2, V3 Open / close valve A5 Developing device 18 Control electrode array portion 19 Back electrode B1 Developing device 21 Developing roller 211 Toner regulating member 22 Developer Supply member (developer supply roller) 23 Developer flow portion 231, 232 Developer transport member 23L Lower end surface of first developer transport member 231 23U Upper end surface of second developer transport member 232 24 Developing device case 241 Front end of case Opening TB Transmission mechanism MB Motor B2 Development Device 211 ′ Toner regulating member B3 Developing device 25 Developer carrier 251 Developing sleeve 252 Magnet roller 26 Developer supplying member 261 Developer supplying sleeve 262 Magnet roller 263 Spike height regulating member B4 Developing device 24 ′ Developing device case 220 Third developing device Developer conveying member B5 Developing device 27 Developer replenishing portion 23 'Developer flowing portion 240 Extended portion (projecting portion) of developing device case B6 Developing device 28 Developing roller 281 Cleaning blade 22' Developer supplying member (developer supplying roller) 24 “Developing device case 241” Case opening 27 ′ Developer supplying portion B7 Developing device 29 Control electrode array portion 291 Back electrode C1 Developing device 31 Developing roller 311 Toner regulating member 32 First developer flowing portion 321, 322 Developer transport member 33 Developer supply section Developer flow section 331, 332 Developer transport member 333 Case 34 Developing device case 341 Case upper opening 342 Extension (projecting portion) of case 34 TC1 Transmission mechanism MC1 Motor C2 Developing device 34 'Developing device case 341' Case upper opening Section 35 Developer Supply Member (Developer Supply Roller) 36 Developer Supply Section and Developer Flow Section 361, 362 Developer Transport Member 363 Case TC2 Transmission Mechanism MC2 Motor C3 Developing Device 33 'Developer Supply Section and Flow Section 331 ′ Wind tunnel F1, F2 Filter AS Air supply device TC3 Power transmission mechanism MC3 Motor C4 Developing device 311 ”Toner regulating member 34” Developing device case 344 Case protruding portion 37 Developer accommodating space 38 Developer replenishing hopper 310 Developing roller shaft 371 Rotation Paddle TC4 transmission Structure MC4 Motor C5 Developing device 39 Developer supply roller 390 Developer supply roller 310 Developing roller shaft 37 'Developer accommodating space 372, 373 Rotary paddle TC5 Transmission mechanism MC5 Motor C6 Developing device 300 Developer carrier 301 Developing sleeve 302 Magnet Roller 303 Ear height regulating member C7 Developing device 340 Developing device case 304 Developing roller 38 'Developer replenishing unit E1 Developing device S1 Developer empty detecting device S11 Light emitting unit S12 Light receiving unit 4 Deteriorated developer discharging device CONT Control unit PW1, PW2 , PW3, PW4 Power supply unit E2 Developing device 51 Developer replenishing unit S2 Developer empty detecting device SOL1 Solenoid CONT 'Control unit 52 Developer collecting unit 521 Lid 53 Developer collecting bottle E3 Developing device F3 Filter 61 Current Image agent recovery unit 62 Developer recovery bottle E4 Developing device S3 Developer empty detection device 63 Developer recovery bottle 631 Lid SOL2 Solenoid CONT "control unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Naritaka Yoshida 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2H074 AA03 BB02 BB72 2H077 AD06 AD13 AD14 AD17 AD18 AE03 AE04 AE06 CA19 DA16 DA20 EA01 EA11 FA19 GA03 GA04

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A developing device having a developer carrying member for supplying a developer to a developing area, comprising: an empty detection device for detecting an empty state of a stored developer; and an empty state of the stored developer by the empty detection device. A developer discharging device that discharges at least the deteriorated developer among the residual developer in the developing device to the outside of the developing device based on the state detection. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer discharging device transfers at least a deteriorated developer of the residual developer to a member facing the developer carrier in the developing area. 3. The developer discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the deteriorated developer is a developer charged to a polarity opposite to a normal charging polarity, and the developer discharging device includes a member that faces the developer carrier in the developing area in the developing area. 3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the developing device is an apparatus for forming and transferring an electric field for transferring the deteriorated developer. 4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein said developer discharging device is a device for conveying and discharging said residual developer to a developer collecting section. 5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein said developer collecting section includes a replaceable developer collecting bottle. 6. A developing device having a developer carrier for supplying a developer to a developing area, comprising a deteriorated developer separating device for separating the deteriorated developer from the developer in the developing device. Characteristic developing device. 7. The developing device according to claim 6, wherein the deteriorated developer separating device is a device for separating and separating the deteriorated developer. 8. The developing device according to claim 1, further comprising a developer flowing section for supplying a developer to said developer carrier. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a developer flowing section for supplying a developer to said developer carrying member, wherein said degraded developer separating device is provided below said developer flowing section.
The developing device as described in the above. 10. The developing device according to claim 8, further comprising a developer replenishing portion for replenishing the developer near an end of the developer flowing portion. 11. The first developer conveying member is arranged above the first developer conveying member and the first developer conveying member, the first developer conveying member extending along the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. 11. The developing device according to claim 8, further comprising a second developer conveying member having a developer conveying direction different from the member. 12. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer supplied to the developing area is a one-component developer. 13. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer supplied to the developing area is a two-component developer. 14. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 1.