JP2001100524A - Developing device and image forming device utilizing the same - Google Patents
Developing device and image forming device utilizing the sameInfo
- Publication number
- JP2001100524A JP2001100524A JP27907999A JP27907999A JP2001100524A JP 2001100524 A JP2001100524 A JP 2001100524A JP 27907999 A JP27907999 A JP 27907999A JP 27907999 A JP27907999 A JP 27907999A JP 2001100524 A JP2001100524 A JP 2001100524A
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- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developing
- developer
- image
- tank
- developing tank
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- Magnetic Brush Developing In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、複写機、プリン
タ、ファクシミリ等に適用される電子写真方式や直接記
録方式、静電記録方式等における現像装置およびそれを
使用する画像形成装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device for an electrophotographic system, a direct recording system, an electrostatic recording system or the like which is applied to a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile or the like, and an image forming apparatus using the same.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】現像剤担持体上に担持させた現像剤を現
像領域で像担持体に供給して、該像担持体上に形成され
た像を現像する現像装置では、現像領域の下流側で現像
剤が粉煙（粉煙トナー）となって外部に漏出する。この
粉煙トナーの発生のメカニズムを図６を参照して説明す
ると、現像ローラ１０１の回転により生じた矢印ａで示
す空気流れは、現像槽１０２内に流入しようとするが、
現像ローラ１０１の封止極Ｓ１と現像槽１０２が対向す
る封止領域で現像ローラ１０１上の磁気ブラシが現像槽
１０２と接触しているため、前記空気流れはこの封止領
域で阻止される。これにより、現像ローラ１０１、感光
体１０３、現像槽１０２で形成される空間は現像槽１０
２外部の雰囲気よりも高圧になり、矢印ｘで示すよう
に、当該空間から現像槽１０２の外部に流出する空気流
れが生じる。この結果、現像領域の上方空間に遊離する
トナーがこの空気流れｘに乗って外部に漏出し、粉煙や
画像のかぶりが生じる。2. Description of the Related Art In a developing device which supplies a developer carried on a developer carrier to an image carrier in a development area and develops an image formed on the image carrier, a developing device is provided on the downstream side of the development area. As a result, the developer becomes smoke (dust toner) and leaks to the outside. The mechanism of the generation of the smoke powder toner will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The air flow indicated by the arrow a generated by the rotation of the developing roller 101 tends to flow into the developing tank 102.
Since the magnetic brush on the developing roller 101 is in contact with the developing tank 102 in a sealing area where the sealing pole S1 of the developing roller 101 and the developing tank 102 face each other, the air flow is blocked in this sealing area. As a result, the space formed by the developing roller 101, the photoconductor 103, and the developing tank 102 becomes the developing tank 10
(2) The pressure becomes higher than the outside atmosphere, and as shown by an arrow x, an air flow is generated that flows out of the space to the outside of the developing tank 102. As a result, the toner released in the space above the development area leaks outside along with the air flow x, and smoke and image fogging occur.
【０００３】従来、このような粉煙トナーが外部に漏出
するのを防止する種々の方法が提案されている。例え
ば、特開平９−７３２３０号公報では、現像槽に現像領
域上部空間から現像剤収容室に連通し、かつ、外部にも
連通する現像剤戻り通路を設け、該現像剤戻り通路に回
転回収部材を配設するとともに、外部に連通する通路に
排気抵抗部材を設けた現像装置が開示されている。この
現像装置では、回転回収部材により空気流れを生成させ
て、現像領域上部空間で浮遊する現像剤を含む空気を現
像剤戻り流路に吸引し、この現像剤を含む空気のうち現
像剤のみを現像槽に回収し、空気は排気抵抗部材を介し
て外部に排出するようになっている。また、特開平９−
３４００３０号公報では、帯電装置と現像装置の間に吸
引ファンを備えた排気装置を設け、現像位置周辺で飛散
しているトナーを吸引するだけでなく、帯電装置内のオ
ゾンを含む空気を吸引するようにした画像形成装置が提
案されている。しかしながら、これらの装置では、空気
流れを発生する回転回収部材や吸引ファンを設けるた
め、装置が大型化する問題がある。Conventionally, various methods have been proposed to prevent such powder toner from leaking to the outside. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-73230, a developer return passage is provided in the developer tank from the upper space of the development area to the developer accommodating chamber and also to the outside, and the developer return passage is provided in the developer return passage. And a developing device in which an exhaust resistance member is provided in a passage communicating with the outside. In this developing device, an air flow is generated by the rotation recovery member, and the air containing the developer floating in the upper space of the developing area is sucked into the developer return flow path, and only the developer among the air containing the developer is removed. The air is collected in a developing tank, and the air is discharged to the outside via an exhaust resistance member. Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
In Japanese Patent No. 340030, an exhaust device provided with a suction fan is provided between a charging device and a developing device to not only suck toner scattered around a developing position but also suck air containing ozone in the charging device. Such an image forming apparatus has been proposed. However, these devices have a problem that the size of the device is increased because a rotation recovery member and a suction fan that generate an air flow are provided.
【０００４】米国特許第５６８２５７８号では、現像槽
に現像ローラの回転により生じる空気流れを循環させる
経路を設け、該経路内に粉煙トナーを取り込むようにし
た現像装置が開示されている。しかしながら、この装置
では、現像槽の開口部に配置された現像ローラと開口部
の縁との間に封止手段がないため、現像槽内で発生する
粉煙が現像槽の外部に漏出するのを抑えるには、上記循
環経路に非常に大きな空気流れを発生させなければなら
ず、現像ローラを高速回転させる必要があるという問題
がある。US Pat. No. 5,682,578 discloses a developing device in which a path for circulating an air flow generated by rotation of a developing roller is provided in a developing tank, and powder smoke toner is taken into the path. However, in this apparatus, since there is no sealing means between the developing roller disposed at the opening of the developing tank and the edge of the opening, smoke generated in the developing tank leaks out of the developing tank. In order to suppress this, there is a problem that a very large air flow must be generated in the circulation path, and it is necessary to rotate the developing roller at a high speed.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】本発明は、かかる従来
の問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、装置を大型化するこ
となく、簡単な構成で現像剤の粉煙の漏出を抑制できる
現像装置およびそれを使用する画像形成装置を提供する
ことを課題とするものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and is a developing apparatus which can suppress the leakage of developer smoke with a simple structure without increasing the size of the apparatus. And an image forming apparatus using the same.
【０００６】[0006]
【課題を解決するための手段】前記課題を解決するため
に、本発明は、像担持体と対向する開口部を有し、内部
に現像剤を収容する現像槽と、該現像槽の開口部に回転
可能に配置され、前記像担持体と対向する現像領域に現
像主極を備え、該現像主極より回転方向下流側に現像槽
と対向する封止極を備え、表面に現像剤を担持しつつ搬
送して現像領域にて像担持体に形成された像の現像に供
する現像剤担持体とからなる現像装置において、前記現
像槽に、現像主極と封止極の間の現像剤担持体表面と像
担持体表面とで規定される現像領域上部空間から現像槽
の内部空間に連通する通路を形成し、現像領域上部空間
で発生する粉煙トナーを現像槽内に回収するようにした
ものである。In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a developing tank having an opening facing an image carrier and containing a developer therein, and an opening of the developing tank. A developing main pole is provided in a developing area opposed to the image carrier, and a sealing pole facing a developing tank is provided downstream of the main developing pole in a rotational direction, and the surface carries the developer. A developing device comprising a developer carrying member for transporting the developer while developing the image formed on the image carrying member in the developing area. A passage communicating from the upper space of the developing area defined by the body surface and the surface of the image carrier to the inner space of the developing tank was formed, and the dust smoke generated in the upper space of the developing area was collected in the developing tank. Things.
【０００７】前記構成からなる現像装置では、現像槽に
現像領域上部空間から現像槽の内部空間に連通する通路
を形成し、現像領域上部空間で発生する粉煙トナーを現
像槽内に回収するようにしたので、粉煙トナーが現像槽
の外部に漏出するのが抑制される。また、現像槽に通路
を形成するだけの、簡単な構成であり、装置が大型化す
ることがない。In the developing device having the above-described structure, a passage communicating with the inner space of the developing tank from the upper space of the developing area is formed in the developing tank so that the dust smoke generated in the upper space of the developing area is collected in the developing tank. Therefore, the leakage of the smoke powder toner to the outside of the developing tank is suppressed. In addition, the apparatus has a simple configuration in which only a passage is formed in the developing tank, and the apparatus does not increase in size.
【０００８】前記通路内には、重力方向に突出する突部
を設けて、前記通路を通過するトナーを捕集することが
好ましい。It is preferable that a protrusion protruding in the direction of gravity is provided in the passage to collect toner passing through the passage.
【０００９】前記通路の外部空間側の開口は、像担持体
に向けるか、現像剤担持体に向けることが好ましい。It is preferable that the opening of the passage on the outer space side is directed to the image carrier or the developer carrier.
【００１０】前記現像剤担持体は、現像剤が下方から供
給されるように現像槽の上部に位置し、前記通路は、現
像剤担持体よりも上方に位置することが好ましい。[0010] It is preferable that the developer carrier is located above the developer tank so that the developer is supplied from below, and the passage is located above the developer carrier.
【００１１】また、以上説明した現像装置は、画像に対
応する像を担持する像担持体と、該像担持体に担持され
た像を現像して現像剤像として顕在化する現像装置とを
備えた画像形成装置において、前記現像装置として前記
請求項１から９に記載の現像装置を使用することができ
る。The developing device described above includes an image carrier for carrying an image corresponding to an image, and a developing device for developing the image carried on the image carrier to manifest as a developer image. In the image forming apparatus, the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 can be used as the developing device.
【００１２】[0012]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を添付
図面に従って説明する。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
【００１３】図１は、本発明に係る現像装置を使用した
画像形成装置の一実施形態であるタンデム型フルカラー
プリンタを示す。このプリンタは、感光体１、帯電部
２、露光部３、現像装置４、中間転写部５、イレース・
クリーニング部６および転写部７から形成されている。
なお、これらの構成部のうち、感光体１、帯電部２、露
光部３、現像装置４、中間転写部５およびイレース・ク
リーニング部６は、イエロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラ
ックの各色の画像形成ステーションY，M，C，Kのそれぞ
れに設けられている。FIG. 1 shows a tandem type full color printer which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus using a developing device according to the present invention. This printer includes a photoconductor 1, a charging unit 2, an exposure unit 3, a developing device 4, an intermediate transfer unit 5, an erase /
The cleaning unit 6 and the transfer unit 7 are formed.
Among these components, the photoreceptor 1, the charging unit 2, the exposure unit 3, the developing device 4, the intermediate transfer unit 5, and the erase / cleaning unit 6 include image forming stations for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. It is provided for each of Y, M, C, and K.
【００１４】前記各構成部の基本機能は、公知であるの
で、ここでは概略説明する。まず、帯電部２は、感光体
を帯電し、露光部３は、画像に基づいて感光体１に潜像
を形成する。現像装置４は、感光体１に形成された潜像
をトナーを用いて現像してトナー像として顕在化する。
中間転写部５は感光体１上に顕在化されたトナー像をロ
ーラ８ａ，８ｂ、８ｃで支持された中間転写ベルト９上
に１次転写する。イレース・クリーニング部６は、感光
体１を除電するとともに感光体１上に残留したトナーを
除去する。転写部７は、中間転写ベルト９上のトナー像
を図示しない給紙部から給紙されるシート１０に２次転
写する。シート１０は、図示しない定着部でトナー像が
定着された後、図示しない排紙トレイに排紙される。The basic function of each component is well known and will be described briefly here. First, the charging unit 2 charges the photoconductor, and the exposure unit 3 forms a latent image on the photoconductor 1 based on an image. The developing device 4 develops the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 1 using toner and makes the latent image appear as a toner image.
The intermediate transfer section 5 primarily transfers the toner image developed on the photoreceptor 1 onto an intermediate transfer belt 9 supported by rollers 8a, 8b and 8c. The erase / cleaning section 6 removes the charge on the photoconductor 1 and removes the toner remaining on the photoconductor 1. The transfer section 7 secondary-transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 9 to a sheet 10 fed from a sheet feeding section (not shown). After the toner image is fixed by a fixing unit (not shown), the sheet 10 is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown).
【００１５】前記現像装置４は、図２に示すように、ト
ナーと磁性キャリアからなる２成分現像剤１１を収容す
る現像槽１２を有している。この現像槽１２は、上部側
面の感光体１と対向する位置に開口部１３が設けられて
いる。現像槽１２内には、下方から順に、下スクリュ１
４、上スクリュ１５、現像ローラ１６が配置されてい
る。下スクリュ１４と上スクリュ１５は、互いに平行に
配置されてそれぞれ矢印ｒ１，ｒ２方向に回転駆動し、
現像槽１２内の現像剤１１を攪拌しつつ上方に搬送し、
現像ローラ１６に供給するように構成されている。現像
ローラ１６は、図３に示すように、現像槽１２の開口部
１３に一部が感光体１と対向するように配置されてい
る。この現像ローラ１６は、周囲に複数の磁極が着磁さ
れた円柱形状の固定マグネット部材１７と、該マグネッ
ト部材１７に外装されて矢印ｒ３方向に回転駆動する円
筒形状のスリーブ部材１８とからなっている。As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 4 has a developing tank 12 for storing a two-component developer 11 composed of a toner and a magnetic carrier. The developing tank 12 is provided with an opening 13 at a position facing the photoconductor 1 on the upper side surface. In the developing tank 12, the lower screw 1 is sequentially arranged from below.
4, an upper screw 15 and a developing roller 16 are arranged. The lower screw 14 and the upper screw 15 are arranged in parallel with each other, and are driven to rotate in the directions of arrows r1 and r2, respectively.
The developer 11 in the developing tank 12 is transported upward while being stirred,
It is configured to supply to the developing roller 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the developing roller 16 is disposed in the opening 13 of the developing tank 12 so that a part thereof faces the photoconductor 1. The developing roller 16 includes a cylindrical fixed magnet member 17 around which a plurality of magnetic poles are magnetized, and a cylindrical sleeve member 18 which is externally mounted on the magnet member 17 and driven to rotate in the direction of arrow r3. I have.
【００１６】マグネット部材１７の磁極は、感光体１と
ほぼ最短距離で対向する現像領域に位置する現像主極Ｎ
1と、該現像主極Ｎ1からスリーブ部材１８の回転方向下
流側に現像槽１２の上壁１２ａと対向する封止極Ｓ
1と、該封止極Ｓ1よりさらに下流側に順に位置する搬送
極Ｎ2，Ｎ3，Ｓ2とからなっている。スリーブ部材１８
は、異なる極性の磁極Ｎ3，Ｓ2，Ｎ1，Ｓ1，Ｎ2が順に
交互に配置された範囲で、現像剤１１を磁気ブラシ状態
で保持しつつ矢印ｒ３方向に搬送する。また、同じ極性
の磁極Ｎ2,Ｎ3が配置された範囲では、現像剤１１はス
リーブ部材１８から離脱する。現像主極Ｎ1における磁
気ブラシは、感光体１に最も近接し、または摺接して、
感光体１上に形成された静電潜像の現像に供する。ま
た、封止極Ｓ1における磁気ブラシは、現像槽１２の上
壁１２ａに接触して現像槽１２内で発生するトナーの粉
煙が現像槽１２外に漏出するのを防止している。The magnetic pole of the magnet member 17 is a developing main pole N located in a developing area opposed to the photosensitive member 1 at almost the shortest distance.
1, facing the upper wall 12a of the developing tank 12 from the developing main pole N 1 toward the downstream side in the rotating direction of the sleeve member 18 Futomekyoku S
1 and transport poles N 2 , N 3 , and S 2 sequentially located further downstream than the sealing pole S 1 . Sleeve member 18
Transports the developer 11 in the direction of the arrow r3 while holding the developer 11 in a magnetic brush state in a range in which the magnetic poles N 3 , S 2 , N 1 , S 1 , and N 2 of different polarities are arranged alternately in order. Further, the developer 11 is separated from the sleeve member 18 in a range where the magnetic poles N 2 and N 3 having the same polarity are arranged. The magnetic brush at the developing main pole N 1 is closest to or in sliding contact with the photoconductor 1,
The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 1 is developed. Further, the magnetic brush at the sealing pole S 1 prevents the dust of the toner generated in the developing tank 12 from coming into contact with the upper wall 12 a of the developing tank 12 and leaking out of the developing tank 12.
【００１７】現像槽１２の開口部１３の下縁には、先端
が現像ローラ１６に近接して、現像ローラ１６上の磁気
ブラシの穂高を規制する穂高規制板１９が取り付けられ
ている。現像槽１２の上壁１２ａには、現像ローラ１６
と感光体１と現像槽１２の上壁１２ａとで規制される空
間（以下、現像領域上部空間Ｓａという。）から現像槽
１２内の空間Ｓｂに連通する通路２０が形成されてい
る。この通路２０の現像領域上部空間Ｓａ側の開口２１
は、図３においては、現像ローラ１６に向くように形成
されているが、２点鎖線で示すように、感光体１に向く
ように形成されてもよい。また、前記通路２０の現像槽
１２側の開口２２は、現像槽１２内の空間Ｓｂに向かっ
て下方に開口している。前記通路２０の断面は、一般に
直径３から１０ｍｍの円形、または３×３ｍｍから１０
×３００ｍｍの矩形で、前記通路２０は現像ローラ１６
の軸方向にわたって１または複数個設けられている。At the lower edge of the opening 13 of the developing tank 12, a spike height regulating plate 19 for regulating the spike height of the magnetic brush on the developing roller 16 is attached near the end thereof to the developing roller 16. On the upper wall 12a of the developing tank 12, a developing roller 16
A passage 20 is formed from a space regulated by the photoconductor 1 and the upper wall 12a of the developing tank 12 (hereinafter, referred to as a developing area upper space Sa) to a space Sb in the developing tank 12. Opening 21 of this passage 20 on the side of upper space Sa of the developing region
3, is formed so as to face the developing roller 16, but may be formed so as to face the photoconductor 1 as shown by a two-dot chain line. The opening 22 of the passage 20 on the side of the developing tank 12 opens downward toward the space Sb in the developing tank 12. The cross section of the passage 20 is generally circular with a diameter of 3 to 10 mm, or 3 × 3 mm to 10 mm.
X 300 mm, and the passage 20 is
One or more are provided in the axial direction.
【００１８】次に、以上の構成からなる現像装置４およ
び画像形成装置の動作について説明する。Next, the operation of the developing device 4 and the image forming apparatus having the above configurations will be described.
【００１９】現像槽１２内で下スクリュ１４および上ス
クリュ１５のｒ１，ｒ２方向の回転により攪拌混合され
た現像剤１１は現像ローラ１６のＮ3極の磁力に吸引保
持され、スリーブ部材１８の矢印ｒ３方向の回転に伴っ
て磁気ブラシ状態で同回転方向に搬送される。現像ロー
ラ１６上の磁気ブラシ状態の現像剤１１は穂高規制部材
１９を通過する際に穂高を一定高さに規制されて現像領
域に搬送される。The developer 11 that has been stirred and mixed by the rotation of r1, r2 direction of the lower screw 14 and the upper screw 15 in the developing tank 12 is sucked and held on the magnetic force of N 3-pole of the developing roller 16, the arrow of the sleeve member 18 Conveyed in the same rotational direction in the state of a magnetic brush with the rotation in the r3 direction. When the developer 11 in the state of the magnetic brush on the developing roller 16 passes through the spike height regulating member 19, the spike height is regulated to a certain height, and is conveyed to the developing area.
【００２０】スリーブ部材１８の回転により図３中矢印
ａで示す空気流れが生じ、現像槽１２内に流入しようと
するが、現像ローラ１６の封止極Ｓ1と現像槽１２が対
向する封止領域で現像ローラ１６上の磁気ブラシが現像
槽１２の上壁１２ａと接触しているため、前記空気流れ
は封止領域で阻止される。これにより、現像ローラ１
６、感光体１、現像槽１２の上壁１２ａで形成される現
像領域上部空間Ｓａは現像槽１２の外部の雰囲気よりも
高圧になる。しかしながら、現像槽１２の上壁１２ａに
現像領域上部空間Ｓａから現像槽１２の内部空間Ｓｂに
通じる通路２０が形成されているので、この通路２０を
通って現像領域上部空間Ｓａの圧力は現像槽１２の内部
空間Ｓｂに解放され、矢印ａ，ｂ，ｃで示すように、現
像領域上部空間Ｓａから現像槽１２の内部空間Ｓｂへの
空気流れが生じる。この結果、現像領域上部空間Ｓａ内
に遊離する粉煙トナーがこの空気流れに乗って現像槽１
２内に回収される。したがって、現像槽１２の外部に粉
煙トナーが漏出することが防止され、粉煙や画像かぶり
の発生が無くなる。なお、現像槽１２内に流入した空気
は、現像槽１２の開口部１３の下縁に設けられた穂高規
制板１９と現像ローラ１６の間の隙間等から漏れるた
め、現像槽１２内の圧力は一定に保たれる。[0020] By rotation of the sleeve member 18 caused the air flow shown in Figure 3 in the arrow a, tries to flow into the developing tank 12, sealing the Futomekyoku S 1 and the developing tank 12 of the developing roller 16 is opposed Since the magnetic brush on the developing roller 16 is in contact with the upper wall 12a of the developing tank 12 in the area, the air flow is blocked in the sealed area. Thereby, the developing roller 1
6, the photoreceptor 1, and the upper space Sa of the developing area formed by the upper wall 12a of the developing tank 12 has a higher pressure than the atmosphere outside the developing tank 12. However, since a passage 20 is formed in the upper wall 12a of the developing tank 12 from the upper space Sa of the developing area to the internal space Sb of the developing tank 12, the pressure in the upper space Sa of the developing area passes through the passage 20 so that the pressure in the developing tank 12 becomes lower. The air is released to the internal space Sb of the developing tank 12 and the air flows from the upper space Sa of the developing area to the internal space Sb of the developing tank 12 as shown by arrows a, b, and c. As a result, the powder smoke toner released in the upper space Sa of the developing area rides on this air flow, and
Collected in 2. Therefore, the leakage of the powder smoke toner to the outside of the developing tank 12 is prevented, and the generation of powder smoke and image fogging is eliminated. The air flowing into the developing tank 12 leaks from a gap or the like between the spike height regulating plate 19 provided at the lower edge of the opening 13 of the developing tank 12 and the developing roller 16. Be kept constant.
【００２１】一方、露光部３によって感光体１に形成さ
れた静電潜像は、感光体１の矢印ｒ４方向の回転に伴っ
て現像領域に達し、この現像領域において現像ローラ１
６上の現像剤１１によって現像され、トナー像となる。
このトナー像は中間転写部５で中間転写ベルト９に１次
転写される。このようにして各画像形成ステーション
Ｙ，Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｋで中間転写ベルト９に１次転写された各
色のトナー像は、中間転写ベルト９に搬送されて転写部
７に至り、ここで、図示しないシート供給部から供給さ
れたシート１０に２次転写される。そして、シート１０
は図示しない定着部を経て排紙される。On the other hand, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 1 by the exposure unit 3 reaches a developing area with the rotation of the photoreceptor 1 in the direction of the arrow r4.
The toner image is developed by the developer 11 on the surface 6.
This toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9 in the intermediate transfer section 5. The toner images of the respective colors primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9 at the image forming stations Y, M, C, and K in this manner are conveyed to the intermediate transfer belt 9 and reach the transfer unit 7, where they are illustrated. The secondary transfer is performed on the sheet 10 supplied from the sheet supply unit that does not perform the transfer. And sheet 10
Is discharged through a fixing unit (not shown).
【００２２】図４は、図３に示す前記実施形態の変形例
を示す。この変形例では、現像槽１２に形成された通路
２０に、重力方向に突出する複数の突部２３が通路２０
の方向に沿って一定間隔で設けられるとともに、これら
の突起２３に対向するように凹部２４が形成されて、蛇
行または屈曲した通路になっている。この変形例によれ
ば、通路２０を通過する粉煙トナーは突部２３で進行を
妨げられ、そこに蓄積する。粉煙となるトナーは未帯電
トナーであり、現像槽１内に回収しても再度粉煙となっ
て現像槽１の外側に排出される可能性が高いため、本変
形例のように通路２０内に蓄積させたほうが粉煙の抑制
に対して効果的である。FIG. 4 shows a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. In this modification, a plurality of protrusions 23 projecting in the direction of gravity are formed in a passage 20 formed in the developing tank 12.
Are provided at regular intervals along the direction of..., And a concave portion 24 is formed so as to face these projections 23 to form a meandering or bent passage. According to this modification, the powder smoke toner passing through the passage 20 is prevented from traveling by the projection 23 and accumulates there. The toner that becomes dust is an uncharged toner, and even if it is collected in the developing tank 1, it is highly likely that the toner becomes dust again and is discharged to the outside of the developing tank 1. It is more effective to accumulate in the inside to suppress smoke dust.
【００２３】図５は、図３に示す前記実施形態の他の変
形例を示す。この変形例では、穂高規制部材１９に、感
光体１に向かって水平に延びる水平部２５と該水平部２
５の先端近傍から現像ローラ１６に向かって垂直に延び
る垂直部２６とからなる粉煙防止板２７が設けられてい
る。さらに、この粉煙防止板２７には、前記垂直部２６
から上方に延びて現像領域の上流側で感光体１にほぼ接
線方向に接触する第１粉煙防止シート２８と、前記水平
部２５の先端から斜め上方に延びて、前記第１粉煙防止
シート２８とは感光体１の回転方向上流でほぼ接線方向
に接触する第２粉煙防止シート２９とが取り付けられて
いる。この変形例によれば、穂高規制板１９を通過した
磁気ブラシから発生した粉煙トナーは、まず粉煙防止板
１７の垂直部２６で阻止されて垂直部２６と水平部２５
で規定される空間Ｓｃに蓄積され、さらに第１と第２の
粉煙防止シート２８，２９によって、外部に漏出するの
が防止される。FIG. 5 shows another modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. In this modified example, a horizontal portion 25 extending horizontally toward the photoreceptor 1 and the horizontal portion 2
5 is provided with a vertical portion 26 extending vertically from the vicinity of the front end toward the developing roller 16. Further, the smoke prevention plate 27 includes the vertical portion 26.
A first smoke prevention sheet 28 extending upward from the developing area and substantially tangentially in contact with the photoreceptor 1 on the upstream side of the developing area; and a first smoke prevention sheet extending obliquely upward from the tip of the horizontal portion 25. Reference numeral 28 denotes a second smoke prevention sheet 29 which is almost tangentially contacted upstream of the photoconductor 1 in the rotation direction. According to this modification, smoke dust generated from the magnetic brush that has passed the ear height regulation plate 19 is first blocked by the vertical portion 26 of the smoke prevention plate 17, and the vertical portion 26 and the horizontal portion 25 are prevented.
Are stored in the space Sc defined by the formula (1), and the first and second smoke-preventing sheets 28 and 29 prevent leakage to the outside.
【００２４】なお、前記実施形態では、現像装置は、下
スクリュ１４、上スクリュ１５および現像ローラ１６が
上下に配置された所謂縦型であるが、これらを水平に配
置した所謂横型のものでもよい。また、前記実施形態の
画像形成装置は、タンデムカラー型であるが、モノクロ
型でもよい。また、像担持体はドラム型の感光体１に限
らず、ベルト型のものでもよい。さらに、像担持体は、
前記実施形態におけるような電子写真方式における感光
体に限らず、直接記録方式や静電記録方式における用紙
や、ドナーローラ、中間転写体等であってもよい。In the above-described embodiment, the developing device is a so-called vertical type in which the lower screw 14, the upper screw 15, and the developing roller 16 are arranged vertically, but may be a so-called horizontal type in which these are arranged horizontally. . Further, the image forming apparatus of the embodiment is of a tandem color type, but may be of a monochrome type. Further, the image carrier is not limited to the drum type photoconductor 1, but may be a belt type. Further, the image carrier is
The invention is not limited to the electrophotographic photosensitive member as in the above-described embodiment, but may be a sheet in a direct recording method or an electrostatic recording method, a donor roller, an intermediate transfer member, or the like.
【００２５】[0025]
【発明の効果】以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明
によれば、現像槽に現像領域上部空間から現像槽内に連
通する通路を形成し、現像領域上部空間で発生する粉煙
トナーを現像槽内に回収するようにしたので、粉煙トナ
ーが現像槽の外部に漏出するのが抑制される。また、現
像槽に通路を形成するだけの、簡単な構成であり、装置
が大型化することがないという効果を有している。As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a passage communicating with the developing tank from the upper space of the developing area to the inside of the developing tank is formed in the developing tank, and the smoke toner generated in the upper space of the developing area is removed. Since the toner is collected in the developing tank, the leakage of the smoke powder toner to the outside of the developing tank is suppressed. In addition, it has a simple configuration in which only a passage is formed in the developing tank, and has an effect that the apparatus does not increase in size.
【図１】 本発明に係る現像装置を使用した画像形成装
置の一実施形態であるタンデム型フルカラープリンタの
断面図。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tandem-type full-color printer as an embodiment of an image forming apparatus using a developing device according to the present invention.
【図２】 図１の現像装置の断面図。FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the developing device in FIG. 1;
【図３】 図１の現像装置の部分拡大断面図。FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the developing device of FIG. 1;
【図４】 図３に示す前記実施形態の変形例を示す。FIG. 4 shows a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG.
【図５】 図３に示す前記実施形態の他の変形例を示
す。FIG. 5 shows another modification of the embodiment shown in FIG.
【図６】 従来の現像装置の粉煙トナーの発生のメカニ
ズムを説明する断面図。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mechanism of generation of powder smoke toner in a conventional developing device.
【符号の説明】 １ 感光体 ４ 現像装置 ５ 中間転写部 ７ 転写部 １１ 現像剤 １２ 現像槽 １３ 開口部 ２１，２２ 開口 ２３ 突部 Ｓａ 現像領域上部空間 Ｓｂ 現像槽内部空間 Ｎ1 現像主極 Ｓ1 封止極[Reference Numerals] 1 photoconductor 4 developing device 5 an intermediate transfer unit 7 the transfer unit 11 the developer 12 developing tank 13 opening 21 opening 23 projection Sa developing area headspace Sb developing tank inner space N 1 main developing pole S 1 sealed pole
フロントページの続き (72)発明者 酒向 峰行 大阪府大阪市中央区安土町二丁目３番13号 大阪国際ビル ミノルタ株式会社内 (72)発明者 吉本 真一 大阪府大阪市中央区安土町二丁目３番13号 大阪国際ビル ミノルタ株式会社内 (72)発明者 成瀬 彰 大阪府大阪市中央区安土町二丁目３番13号 大阪国際ビル ミノルタ株式会社内 Ｆターム(参考） 2H031 AC14 AC19 AC38 2H077 AD02 AD06 BA08 CA11 FA19Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Mineyuki Sakamu 2-3-1-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shinichi Yoshimoto 2-chome, Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka No. 3-13 Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akira Naruse 2-13-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture F-term in Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. 2H031 AC14 AC19 AC38 2H077 AD02 AD06 BA08 CA11 FA19
Claims (6)
に現像剤を収容する現像槽と、該現像槽の開口部に回転
可能に配置され、前記像担持体と対向する現像領域に現
像主極を備え、該現像主極より回転方向下流側に現像槽
と対向する封止極を備え、表面に現像剤を担持しつつ搬
送して現像領域にて像担持体に形成された像の現像に供
する現像剤担持体とからなる現像装置において、前記現
像槽に、現像主極と封止極の間の現像剤担持体表面と像
担持体表面とで規定される現像領域上部空間から現像槽
の内部空間に連通する通路を形成し、現像領域上部空間
で発生する粉煙トナーを現像槽内に回収するようにした
ことを特徴とする現像装置。1. A developing tank having an opening facing an image carrier and containing a developer therein, and a developing area rotatably disposed in the opening of the developing tank and facing the image carrier. A developing pole is provided, and a sealing pole facing the developing tank is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction from the developing main pole. The developing pole is formed on the image carrier in the developing area while carrying the developer while carrying the developer. In a developing device comprising a developer carrier for developing an image, the developing tank is provided with a developing region upper space defined by a developer carrier surface and an image carrier surface between a developing main pole and a sealing pole. A passage communicating with the internal space of the developing tank, and collecting the dust smoke generated in the upper space of the developing area into the developing tank.
を設けたことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion protruding in the direction of gravity is provided in the passage.
体に向けられていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の
現像装置。3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an opening of the passage on the outer space side is directed to an image carrier.
担持体に向けられていることを特徴とする請求項１に記
載の現像装置。4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an opening of the passage on the outer space side is directed to a developer carrier.
供給されるように現像槽の上部に位置し、前記通路は、
現像剤担持体よりも上方に位置することを特徴とする請
求項１に記載の現像装置。5. The developer carrier is located at an upper portion of a developing tank so that the developer is supplied from below, and the passage is formed by:
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is located above the developer carrier.
と、該像担持体に担持された像を現像して現像剤像とし
て顕在化する現像装置とを備えた画像形成装置におい
て、前記現像装置として前記請求項１から９に記載の現
像装置を使用したことを特徴とする画像形成装置。6. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image carrier that carries an image corresponding to an image; and a developing device that develops the image carried on the image carrier to appear as a developer image. An image forming apparatus using the developing device according to claim 1 as a developing device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP27907999A JP2001100524A (en) | 1999-09-30 | 1999-09-30 | Developing device and image forming device utilizing the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP27907999A JP2001100524A (en) | 1999-09-30 | 1999-09-30 | Developing device and image forming device utilizing the same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2001100524A true JP2001100524A (en) | 2001-04-13 |
Family
ID=17606132
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP27907999A Pending JP2001100524A (en) | 1999-09-30 | 1999-09-30 | Developing device and image forming device utilizing the same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2001100524A (en) |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2003173081A (en) * | 2001-12-07 | 2003-06-20 | Seiko Epson Corp | Developing device and image forming device using the same |
| JP2006250972A (en) * | 2005-03-08 | 2006-09-21 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Development device and image forming apparatus using the same |
| JP2008026487A (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2008-02-07 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP2015108734A (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-11 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP2017126046A (en) * | 2016-01-15 | 2017-07-20 | 株式会社東芝 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| CN108693742A (en) * | 2017-03-30 | 2018-10-23 | 佳能株式会社 | Developing apparatus |
| JP2018169566A (en) * | 2017-03-30 | 2018-11-01 | キヤノン株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP2019020573A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2019-02-07 | 株式会社東芝 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP2021012395A (en) * | 2020-11-02 | 2021-02-04 | 株式会社東芝 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP2022097729A (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2022-06-30 | 株式会社東芝 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| US20220413417A1 (en) * | 2019-11-28 | 2022-12-29 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Imaging system with air passage for developing chamber |
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| JP7154268B2 (en) | 2020-11-02 | 2022-10-17 | 株式会社東芝 | Developing device and image forming device |
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