JP2001117356A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP2001117356A JP2001117356A JP29543299A JP29543299A JP2001117356A JP 2001117356 A JP2001117356 A JP 2001117356A JP 29543299 A JP29543299 A JP 29543299A JP 29543299 A JP29543299 A JP 29543299A JP 2001117356 A JP2001117356 A JP 2001117356A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- forming member
- layer forming
- carrier
- developing device
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- 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、ファクシ
ミリ、あるいはプリンタ等の電子写真方式をとる画像形
成装置に関し、特に、乾式現像装置の現像ローラ上にト
ナーの薄層を形成する層形成部材に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile or a printer, and more particularly to a layer forming member for forming a thin layer of toner on a developing roller of a dry developing apparatus. About.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】乾式トナー（現像剤）を用いる現像装置
においては、現像ローラ（現像剤担持体）に弾性体ブレ
ードからなる層形成部材を当接させてトナーを摩擦帯電
させると共に、現像ローラ上にトナーの単粒子層を形成
し、その現像ローラを静電潜像担持体（感光体）に接触
あるいは近接させることにより静電潜像を現像して顕像
化している。2. Description of the Related Art In a developing apparatus using a dry toner (developer), a layer forming member composed of an elastic blade is brought into contact with a developing roller (developer carrier) to frictionally charge the toner and to charge the toner on the developing roller. The electrostatic latent image is developed and visualized by bringing a developing roller into contact with or in proximity to the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoconductor).
【０００３】従来、弾性体ブレードの現像ローラに当接
する位置から上流の面に粗面化処理をして凹凸を形成し
てその部分でトナーに搬送抵抗力を与えるようにするこ
とにより、上記当接位置に近づくにつれてトナーの膜厚
を徐々に薄くして弾性体ブレードの凹凸部より下流の粗
面化処理をしていない部分でトナーの膜厚を均一な単粒
子層にするものが、特開昭６０−３３５７８号において
提案されている。Conventionally, the surface of the elastic blade is roughened on the surface upstream from the position where the elastic blade comes into contact with the developing roller to form irregularities so as to impart a conveyance resistance to the toner at that portion, thereby making the above-mentioned contact possible. A method in which the thickness of the toner is gradually reduced as approaching the contact position to form a uniform single-particle layer in a portion of the elastic blade which is not subjected to the surface roughening process downstream of the uneven portion is particularly characterized. It has been proposed in Kaikai 60-33578.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、このよ
うに弾性体ブレードの現像ローラへの当接位置から上流
の部分に凹凸を形成した場合、使用初期においてはその
凹凸によりトナー搬送量が制限されて、現像ローラ表面
に所望の搬送量が得られるものの、長期にわたり印字し
続けると、その凹凸内にトナーが入り込んで固定層を形
成するために、この凹凸は本来目的とする機能をしなく
なる。これにより、軽微な固定層を形成すると、現像ロ
ーラ上のトナー搬送量が増加するため、トナーの帯電量
が低下し、現像した像にカブリが増加したり、階調性が
悪化する等、画像劣化が発生する。さらに、固定層が広
がると弾性体ブレードと現像ローラのニップを遮るよう
になる、トナーが搬送されなくなる。However, when the unevenness is formed in the portion upstream from the contact position of the elastic blade to the developing roller, the toner transport amount is limited by the unevenness in the early stage of use. Although a desired transport amount can be obtained on the surface of the developing roller, if printing is continued for a long period of time, the toner enters into the unevenness to form a fixed layer, and the unevenness does not perform its intended function. As a result, when a small fixed layer is formed, the amount of toner transported on the developing roller is increased, so that the charge amount of the toner is reduced, and fog is increased on a developed image, and gradation is deteriorated. Deterioration occurs. Further, when the fixed layer spreads, the nip between the elastic blade and the developing roller is blocked, and the toner is not conveyed.
【０００５】本発明は従来技術のこのような問題点に鑑
みてなされたものであり、その目的は、長期間画像形成
動作を続けても搬送抵抗力を失わず所望の搬送量を得る
ことができ、画像劣化の発生がない層形成部材を備えた
現像装置を提供することである。The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a desired conveyance amount without losing conveyance resistance even if image forming operation is continued for a long period of time. An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device provided with a layer forming member capable of preventing image deterioration.
【０００６】[0006]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成する本発
明の現像装置は、表面に現像剤を担持しながら回転して
静電潜像担持体上へ搬送して潜像を現像する現像剤担持
体と、前記現像剤担持体によって担持される現像剤の厚
さを規制して現像剤の層を現像剤担持体上に形成する層
形成部材とを有する現像装置において、層形成部材が現
像剤担持体と当接する位置から下流側の現像剤担持体に
面する側の層形成部材の面の表面粗さがその当接位置か
ら上流側の面の表面粗さより小さく、かつ、その当接位
置よりも上流の面に下流に向かって落ちる段差が設けら
れていることを特徴とするものである。According to the present invention, there is provided a developing apparatus for developing a latent image by rotating while carrying a developer on a surface thereof and transporting the developer onto an electrostatic latent image carrier to develop the latent image. In a developing device having a carrier and a layer forming member that regulates the thickness of the developer carried by the developer carrier and forms a layer of the developer on the developer carrier, the layer forming member may be used for developing. The surface roughness of the surface of the layer forming member on the side facing the developer carrier downstream from the position in contact with the developer carrier is smaller than the surface roughness of the surface on the upstream side from the contact position, and It is characterized in that a step which falls toward the downstream is provided on a surface upstream of the position.
【０００７】この場合に、その段差は層形成部材が現像
剤担持体と当接する位置から上流側の０．５〜３ｍｍの
範囲内に設けられていることが望ましい。In this case, the step is desirably provided within a range of 0.5 to 3 mm upstream from a position where the layer forming member contacts the developer carrier.
【０００８】また、段差の深さは０．０５〜０．２ｍｍ
の範囲内にあることが望ましい。The depth of the step is 0.05 to 0.2 mm
Is desirably within the range.
【０００９】以下、上記本発明の現像装置の構成と作用
を図面を参照にして説明する。The structure and operation of the developing device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
【００１０】図２に本発明の現像装置１０の構成を示
す。感光体（潜像担持体）２０の周りには、その回転方
向に沿って、不図示の帯電手段、露光手段が設けられ、
現像装置１０、不図示の、転写装置、及び、クリーニン
グ手段が配置されている。FIG. 2 shows the structure of the developing device 10 of the present invention. Around the photoconductor (latent image carrier) 20, a charging unit and an exposure unit (not shown) are provided along the rotation direction thereof,
The developing device 10, a transfer device (not shown), and a cleaning unit are arranged.
【００１１】帯電手段は、感光体２０の外周面に当接し
て外周面を一様に帯電させる。一様に帯電した感光体２
０の外周面には、露光手段によって所望の画像情報に応
じた選択的な露光がなされ、この露光によって感光体２
０上に静電潜像が形成される。The charging means contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 20 to uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface. Photoreceptor 2 uniformly charged
0 is selectively exposed on the outer peripheral surface by exposure means in accordance with desired image information.
0, an electrostatic latent image is formed.
【００１２】現像装置１０には、現像剤担持体（現像ロ
ーラ）２と、その現像剤担持体２表面に現像剤（トナ
ー）を供給する不図示の供給部材と、現像剤担持体２表
面に担持されている現像剤を摩擦帯電させると共に、そ
の現像剤の厚さを規制して現像剤担持体２上に現像剤の
単粒子層を形成する層形成部材（弾性体ブレード）１と
が配置されて構成されている。The developing device 10 includes a developer carrier (developing roller) 2, a supply member (not shown) for supplying a developer (toner) to the surface of the developer carrier 2, A layer forming member (elastic blade) 1 for forming a single particle layer of the developer on the developer carrier 2 while frictionally charging the developer carried thereon and regulating the thickness of the developer is arranged. It is configured.
【００１３】図１は、層形成部材１が現像剤担持体２に
当接する位置近傍の拡大図であり、層形成部材１が現像
剤担持体２と当接する位置Ａから下流側の現像剤担持体
に面する側の層形成部材１の面Ｓ2 の表面粗さは、その
当接位置Ａから上流側の面Ｓ 1 の表面粗さより小さく平
滑に仕上げられており、面Ｓ1 は粗面化されている。そ
して、その当接位置Ａよりも上流の距離Ｌの位置に下流
に向かって深さＤだけ落ちる（現像剤担持体２との距離
が大ききなる）段差４が設けられている。FIG. 1 shows that a layer forming member 1 is attached to a developer carrier 2.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a contact position, in which a layer forming member 1 is developed.
Developer carrier downstream from position A in contact with developer carrier 2
S of the layer forming member 1 on the side facingTwoThe surface roughness of
Surface S on the upstream side from contact position A 1Smaller than the surface roughness of
Smoothly finished, surface S1Is roughened. So
To a position at a distance L upstream of the contact position A.
(The distance from the developer carrier 2)
The step 4 is provided.
【００１４】このように、本発明の現像装置１０におい
て、層形成部材１の現像剤担持体２に面する面の当接位
置Ａから上流側Ｓ1 の表面粗さが大きく、かつ、段差４
を設けてあるので、現像剤３には図に矢印で示す通り段
差４を境目として逆方向の流れ（渦）が新たに形成さ
れ、層形成部材１と現像剤担持体２のニップ付近の層形
成部材１の面Ｓ1 の凹凸部に攪拌効果が現れ、固定層を
形成し難くなり、その面への固着が発生することなく、
長期間画像形成動作を続けても均一な搬送面を形成し続
けることが可能となる。As described above, in the developing device 10 of the present invention, the surface roughness of the upstream side S 1 from the contact position A of the surface of the layer forming member 1 facing the developer carrier 2 is large,
, A flow (vortex) in the opposite direction is newly formed in the developer 3 at the boundary of the step 4 as shown by the arrow in the figure, and the layer near the nip between the layer forming member 1 and the developer carrier 2 is formed. forming member appears stirring effect in the uneven portion of the surface S 1 of 1, it is difficult to form a fixed layer, without sticking occurs to the surface,
Even if the image forming operation is continued for a long time, it is possible to continue to form a uniform conveying surface.
【００１５】ここで、層形成部材１の上流側の段差４
は、現像剤３の流れ上、当接位置Ａに近い程層形成部材
１のニップ部分への現像剤３の溜まりを回避できるため
に望ましいが、当接位置Ａに近すぎると、逆に現像剤３
の流れが悪くなり、現像剤３の搬送量制御ができず、搬
送量過多となってしまう。したがって、当接位置Ａから
段差４までの距離Ｌは、０．５〜３ｍｍの範囲内にある
ことが望ましい。Here, the step 4 on the upstream side of the layer forming member 1
It is desirable that the closer to the contact position A in the flow of the developer 3, the more the accumulation of the developer 3 in the nip portion of the layer forming member 1 can be avoided. Agent 3
Of the developer 3 cannot be controlled, and the transport amount becomes excessive. Therefore, the distance L from the contact position A to the step 4 is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm.
【００１６】また、層形成部材１の上流側の段差４は、
現像剤３の流れを変化させるに十分な段差として、０．
０５ｍｍ以上の深さＤであることが望ましく、それ以下
である場合は、現像剤３の流れを変化させる作用がない
ために効果がない。しかし、この段差が大きすぎると、
段差４部分が現像剤３の流れが滞留する部分になり、現
像剤３の固定層が発生しやすくなるため、０．２ｍｍ以
下が望ましい。The step 4 on the upstream side of the layer forming member 1 is
As a step that is sufficient to change the flow of the developer 3, 0.
It is desirable that the depth D is not less than 05 mm, and if it is less than that, there is no effect because there is no action to change the flow of the developer 3. However, if this step is too large,
The step 4 is a portion where the flow of the developer 3 stays, and a fixed layer of the developer 3 is easily generated.
【００１７】[0017]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の現像装置を用いた
画像形成装置の実施例と比較例について説明する。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments and comparative examples of an image forming apparatus using the developing device of the present invention will be described below.
【００１８】（実施例１）図３に本発明の１実施例の現
像装置１０を用いた画像形成装置の要部の構成を示す。
感光体２０の周りには、その回転方向に沿って、不図示
の帯電手段、露光手段が設けられ、現像装置１０、不図
示の、転写装置、及び、クリーニング手段が配置されて
いる。(Embodiment 1) FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus using a developing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Around the photoconductor 20, a charging unit (not shown) and an exposure unit (not shown) are provided along the rotation direction, and a developing device 10, a transfer device (not shown), and a cleaning unit are arranged.
【００１９】帯電手段は、潜像担持体２０の外周面に当
接して外周面を一様に帯電させる。一様に帯電した潜像
担持体２０の外周面には、露光手段によって所望の画像
情報に応じた選択的な露光がなされ、この露光によって
潜像担持体２０上に静電潜像が形成される。The charging means contacts the outer peripheral surface of the latent image carrier 20 to uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the uniformly charged latent image carrier 20 is selectively exposed by exposure means in accordance with desired image information, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the latent image carrier 20 by this exposure. You.
【００２０】現像装置１０には、現像室６と、メインホ
ッパ７と、メインホッパ７の現像室６と反対側に設けら
れ、不図示のトナーカートリッジから現像剤を補給する
現像剤補給口９とからなり、現像室６には、現像剤担持
体２と、その現像剤担持体２表面に現像剤を供給する供
給部材５と、現像剤担持体２表面に担持されている現像
剤の厚さを規制して現像剤の層を現像剤担持体２に形成
する層形成部材１とが配置され、現像剤担持体２と供給
部材５は相互に接触して図示の方向に回転しており、現
像剤担持体２には現像電源からの現像バイアス電圧が、
供給部材５には供給電源からの供給バイアス電圧がそれ
ぞれ印加されており、供給部材５の回転により摩擦帯電
された現像剤は供給部材５から現像剤担持体２へ供給さ
れ、その表面に担持されている現像剤層の厚さは現像剤
担持体２と当接している層形成部材１で規制されると共
に、現像剤担持体２表面に担持されている現像剤はさら
なる摩擦帯電を受ける。The developing device 10 includes a developing chamber 6, a main hopper 7, and a developer supply port 9 provided on the opposite side of the main hopper 7 from the developing chamber 6 to supply developer from a toner cartridge (not shown). The developing chamber 6 includes a developer carrier 2, a supply member 5 for supplying a developer to the surface of the developer carrier 2, and a thickness of the developer carried on the surface of the developer carrier 2. And a layer forming member 1 for forming a layer of the developer on the developer carrying member 2 by restricting the developer carrying member. The developer carrying member 2 and the supply member 5 are in contact with each other and rotate in the direction shown in the drawing. A developing bias voltage from a developing power supply is applied to the developer carrier 2.
A supply bias voltage from a supply power source is applied to the supply member 5, and the developer frictionally charged by the rotation of the supply member 5 is supplied from the supply member 5 to the developer carrier 2, and is carried on the surface thereof. The thickness of the developer layer is regulated by the layer forming member 1 in contact with the developer carrier 2, and the developer carried on the surface of the developer carrier 2 is subjected to further triboelectric charging.
【００２１】メインホッパ７内には、現像剤補給口９を
介して不図示のトナーカートリッジから補給された現像
剤を攪拌して流動性の高い状態に保ったまま現像室６へ
と搬送するアジテータ８が配置されており、現像剤を現
像室６へと搬送している。In the main hopper 7, an agitator for stirring the developer supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) through a developer supply port 9 and transporting the developer to the developing chamber 6 while maintaining a high fluidity state. 8 is arranged, and transports the developer to the developing chamber 6.
【００２２】潜像担持体２０上の静電潜像は、現像装置
１０の現像剤担持体２が潜像担持体２０表面に接触して
後記の一成分非磁性トナーが付与されて現像される。The electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 20 is developed by applying a one-component non-magnetic toner described later when the developer carrier 2 of the developing device 10 contacts the surface of the latent image carrier 20. .
【００２３】現像装置１０中の現像剤担持体２は、アル
ミニウムローラ表面にショットブラストを施してＲｚ４
〜５μｍ程度の凹凸を形成した後、Ｎｉメッキ処理を行
ったものを使用している。供給部材５はウレタンスポン
ジをローラ状に形成してなるものであり、現像剤担持体
２に圧接して配置し、図３に示すように、現像剤担持体
２に対して反対方向に一定の周速比で回転させている。The developer carrier 2 in the developing device 10 is subjected to shot blasting on the surface of an aluminum roller to form an Rz4
After forming unevenness of about 5 μm, a Ni-plated one is used. The supply member 5 is formed by forming a urethane sponge into a roller shape, and is disposed so as to be in pressure contact with the developer carrier 2. As shown in FIG. It rotates at the peripheral speed ratio.
【００２４】潜像担持体２０は、ＯＰＣからなるもので
ある。The latent image carrier 20 is made of OPC.
【００２５】潜像担持体２０の周速は１８０ｍｍ／ｓｅ
ｃ、現像剤担持体２の周速は３６０ｍｍ／ｓｅｃ、供給
部材５の周速は１８０ｍｍ／ｓｅｃである。The peripheral speed of the latent image carrier 20 is 180 mm / sec.
c, The peripheral speed of the developer carrier 2 is 360 mm / sec, and the peripheral speed of the supply member 5 is 180 mm / sec.
【００２６】現像剤としては、ポリエステル系樹脂に顔
料を分散させ、粉砕して作製した一成分非磁性トナーを
用いている。As the developer, a one-component non-magnetic toner produced by dispersing a pigment in a polyester resin and pulverizing the pigment is used.
【００２７】本実施例においては、潜像担持体２０の非
画像部の表面電位を−７００Ｖ、画像部の表面電位を−
５０Ｖ、現像バイアス電圧を−３００Ｖ、供給バイアス
電圧を−５００Ｖとして用いている。In this embodiment, the surface potential of the non-image portion of the latent image carrier 20 is -700 V, and the surface potential of the image portion is-
50 V, the developing bias voltage is -300 V, and the supply bias voltage is -500 V.
【００２８】本実施例の層形成部材１は、図４に断面を
示す通り、剛体金属板１２に先端にゴムチップ１１を付
設してなり、剛体金属板１２として厚み１．５ｍｍのス
テンレス板、ゴムチップ１１としてウレタンゴムを使用
している。ウレタンゴムはカーボンブラック分散により
体積抵抗率１０5 Ωｃｍと導電化されている。射出成形
により剛体金属板１２先端にゴムチップ１１を付設し、
その射出成形後、現像剤担持体２と接するエッジ部分を
研削し、Ｒ形状に作成している。層形成部材１の段差４
はゴムチップ１１の研削工程時に作成し、研削砥石の形
状及び研削量により所望の段差４位置・大きさに作成す
る。これ以外にも、射出成形に用いる金型により、段差
４を所望の位置・大きさに作成することもできる。As shown in FIG. 4, the layer forming member 1 of this embodiment has a rigid metal plate 12 with a rubber chip 11 attached to the tip. 11 uses urethane rubber. Urethane rubber is made conductive with a volume resistivity of 10 5 Ωcm by dispersion of carbon black. A rubber chip 11 is attached to the tip of the rigid metal plate 12 by injection molding,
After the injection molding, the edge portion in contact with the developer carrier 2 is ground to form an R shape. Step 4 of layer forming member 1
Is formed during the grinding step of the rubber chip 11 and is formed at a desired position and size of four steps according to the shape and the grinding amount of the grinding wheel. In addition, the step 4 can be formed at a desired position and size by using a mold used for injection molding.
【００２９】この実施例の層形成部材１として、Ｒ形状
に作成した当接位置より１．５ｍｍの位置に、０．１ｍ
ｍの大きさで段差４を作成した。また、層形成部材１表
面粗さは、研削工程に使用する砥石の粗さを変化させて
作成しており、当接位置より上流側１３の表面粗さをＲ
ａ＝０．３μｍ、下流側１４の表面粗さをＲａ＝０．０
８μｍとしている。As the layer forming member 1 of this embodiment, 0.1 m
A step 4 having a size of m was formed. The surface roughness of the layer forming member 1 is prepared by changing the roughness of a grindstone used in the grinding process.
a = 0.3 μm, and the surface roughness of the downstream side 14 is Ra = 0.0
8 μm.
【００３０】このような層形成部材１を用いて、上記の
構成の現像装置１０で、上記の条件で画像形成を行った
ところ、初期において面均一性が良好な画像を形成する
ことができた。さらに、連続して画像形成を行ったとこ
ろ、１０万枚の印字をしても初期と同様の品質の画像が
得られ、現像剤３の所望搬送量を維持していた。１０万
枚画像形成後の現像装置１０を分解し、層形成部材１を
観察したところ、層形成部材１の上流側１３に付着して
いた現像剤は全てエアブローにより簡単に剥離すること
ができものであり、全く問題がないものであった。When an image was formed using the layer forming member 1 in the developing apparatus 10 having the above-described structure under the above-described conditions, an image having good surface uniformity could be formed at the initial stage. . Further, when images were continuously formed, an image of the same quality as that obtained at the initial stage was obtained even after printing 100,000 sheets, and the desired transport amount of the developer 3 was maintained. When the developing device 10 after forming an image on 100,000 sheets is disassembled and the layer forming member 1 is observed, the developer adhering to the upstream side 13 of the layer forming member 1 can be easily removed by air blow. And there was no problem at all.
【００３１】（比較例１）図５に断面を示すように、上
流側１３に段差がない層形成部材１を作成し、その他の
構成部材は実施例１と全く同様として、現像装置１０を
構成した。層形成部材１は段差がない以外は全く同様で
あり、上流側１３と下流側１４の表面粗さも全く同様で
ある。(Comparative Example 1) As shown in the cross section in FIG. 5, a layer forming member 1 having no step on the upstream side 13 was prepared, and the other constituent members were completely the same as those in Example 1 to constitute the developing device 10. did. The layer forming member 1 is exactly the same except that there is no step, and the surface roughness of the upstream side 13 and the surface roughness of the downstream side 14 are also exactly the same.
【００３２】このような現像装置１０を用いて画像形成
を行ったところ、初期においては問題なく良好な画像を
形成できた。さらに連続して画像形成を行ったところ、
数百枚程度印字後、現像剤３の搬送量が増加し、カブリ
が増加した。その後、画像上に縦方向の白スジが発生し
た。さらに画像形成を続けたところ、白スジが全域に広
がり、現像剤３の搬送量が極めて少なくなった。このと
きの層形成部材１を取り外して観察したところ、層形成
部材１の上流部１３の全域に現像剤フィルミングが発生
しており、現像剤フィルミングが現像剤担持体２と層形
成部材１の間のニップ部を遮るため、現像剤３がその間
をすり抜けることができずに、現像剤搬送量が少なくな
っていた。When an image was formed using such a developing device 10, a good image could be formed without any problem at the initial stage. Further image formation was performed continuously.
After printing several hundred sheets, the transport amount of the developer 3 increased, and fog increased. Thereafter, vertical white stripes occurred on the image. When image formation was further continued, white stripes spread over the entire area, and the transport amount of the developer 3 became extremely small. At this time, when the layer forming member 1 was detached and observed, developer filming occurred in the entire upstream portion 13 of the layer forming member 1, and the developer filming was caused by the developer carrier 2 and the layer forming member 1. In this case, the nip portion is blocked, so that the developer 3 cannot pass through the nip portion, and the amount of the developer transported is reduced.
【００３３】（段差位置の検討）次に、本発明の現像装
置に用いる層形成部材１の段差位置を変化させたものを
作成し、画像形成評価を行った。層形成部材１として、
射出形成後の研削工程に使用する砥石形状を変化させる
ことにより、段差を形成する位置を変化させた。段差の
大きさは全て０．１ｍｍとして層形成部材１を作成し
た。作成した層形成部材１と連続画像形成時の画像欠陥
発生時における枚数をまとめたものが次の表１である。 (Study of Step Position) Next, the layer forming member 1 used in the developing device of the present invention was prepared by changing the step position, and the image formation was evaluated. As the layer forming member 1,
The position at which the step was formed was changed by changing the shape of the grindstone used in the grinding process after injection molding. The layer forming member 1 was prepared with all the steps having a size of 0.1 mm. The following Table 1 summarizes the prepared layer forming member 1 and the number of sheets when an image defect occurs during continuous image formation.
【００３４】表１に示す通り、画像劣化発生が１０万枚
以上であったのは、段差が０．５〜３ｍｍのときであ
り、それ以外では寿命が短かった。Ｎｏ．１の段差の位
置０．３ｍｍと当接位置に近い場合は、画像劣化として
搬送量増加によるカブリ発生であった。また、Ｎｏ．４
の段差位置が当接位置に対して５ｍｍと遠い場合は、上
流側への現像剤付着が発生しており、搬送面上と画像上
に白スジを発生した。As shown in Table 1, image deterioration occurred on 100,000 sheets or more when the step was 0.5 to 3 mm, and otherwise the life was short. No. When the position of the step 1 was 0.3 mm, which was close to the contact position, fog occurred due to an increase in the transport amount as image deterioration. In addition, No. 4
In the case where the stepped position is as far as 5 mm from the contact position, the developer has adhered to the upstream side, and white stripes have been generated on the conveying surface and on the image.
【００３５】（段差の大きさの検討）本発明の現像装置
に用いる層形成部材１として、段差の大きさを変化さ
せ、段差の最適値を求める評価を行った。層形成部材１
として作成したのは、次の表２のサンプルであり、段差
の当接位置からの距離は２ｍｍで一定として段差の大き
さ（深さ）を変化させている。 (Study of Step Size) As the layer forming member 1 used in the developing device of the present invention, the evaluation was performed by changing the step size to obtain the optimum value of the step. Layer forming member 1
The sample shown in Table 2 below was prepared, and the size (depth) of the step was changed while the distance from the contact position of the step was constant at 2 mm.
【００３６】このような層形成部材１を用い、その他の
構成部材は実施例１と全く同様として、現像装置１０を
構成した。初期において画像形成を行ったところ、どの
サンプルでも良好な画像が得られた。連続して画像形成
を行うと、画像劣化を発生する枚数にそれぞれ差を生じ
た。Ｎｏ．５のように段差が０．０２と小さい場合、搬
送面上と画像上に白スジを発生した。このときの層形成
部材１を観察したところ、当接位置付近で現像剤フィル
ミングを発生しており、本発明により段差４を設けるこ
との効果はあるものの十分ではなかった。また、Ｎｏ．
８のように段差が０．４と大きい場合も同様に、画像上
に白スジを発生し、層形成部材１を詳細に調べたとこ
ろ、段差部分で強固に現像剤が付着していた。The developing device 10 was constructed using the layer forming member 1 as described above, and the other constituent members were exactly the same as in the first embodiment. When an image was formed in the initial stage, good images were obtained with any of the samples. When image formation was performed continuously, there was a difference in the number of sheets that caused image deterioration. No. When the step was as small as 0.02 as in 5, white streaks occurred on the transport surface and on the image. Observation of the layer forming member 1 at this time revealed that developer filming occurred near the contact position, and the effect of the provision of the step 4 according to the present invention was not sufficient. In addition, No.
Similarly, when the step was as large as 0.4 as shown in FIG. 8, white streaks were generated on the image, and when the layer forming member 1 was examined in detail, the developer was firmly adhered to the step.
【００３７】これらの結果から、１０００００枚超の耐
久性を有する最適な段差４の大きさは０．０５〜０．２
ｍｍの範囲内にあることであった。From these results, the optimal size of the step 4 having a durability of more than 100,000 sheets is 0.05 to 0.2.
mm.
【００３８】以上、本発明の現像装置を実施例に基づい
て説明してきたが、本発明はこれら実施例に限定されず
種々の変形が可能である。Although the developing device of the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible.
【００３９】[0039]
【発明の効果】以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明
の現像装置によると、層形成部材が現像剤担持体と当接
する位置から下流側の現像剤担持体に面する側の層形成
部材の面の表面粗さがその当接位置から上流側のその面
の表面粗さより小さく、かつ、その当接位置よりも上流
のその面に下流に向かって落ちる段差が設けられている
ので、現像剤には段差を境目として逆方向の流れ（渦）
が新たに形成され、層形成部材と現像剤担持体のニップ
付近の層形成部材の上流側の面の凹凸部に攪拌効果が現
れ、固定層を形成し難くなり、その面への現像剤の固着
が発生することなく、長期間画像形成動作を続けても、
均一な現像剤の搬送面を形成し続けることが可能とな
り、画像劣化の発生が起きない。As is apparent from the above description, according to the developing device of the present invention, the layer forming member on the side facing the developer carrier downstream from the position where the layer forming member contacts the developer carrier. Since the surface roughness of the surface is smaller than the surface roughness of the surface on the upstream side from the abutment position, and the surface upstream of the abutment position has a step that falls downstream, the development is performed. The agent flows in the opposite direction with a step as a boundary (vortex)
Is newly formed, an agitating effect appears on the uneven portion on the upstream surface of the layer forming member near the nip between the layer forming member and the developer carrier, and it becomes difficult to form a fixed layer, and the developer is Even if image forming operation is continued for a long time without occurrence of sticking,
It is possible to continue to form a uniform developer transport surface, and no image deterioration occurs.
【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]
【図１】本発明の現像装置の層形成部材が現像剤担持体
に当接する位置近傍の拡大図である。FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a position where a layer forming member of a developing device of the present invention abuts on a developer carrier.
【図２】本発明の現像装置の概略の構成を示す図であ
る。FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a developing device of the present invention.
【図３】本発明の１実施例の現像装置を用いた画像形成
装置の要部の構成を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus using a developing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
【図４】実施例１の現像装置の層形成部材が現像剤担持
体に当接する位置近傍の拡大図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a position where a layer forming member of the developing device according to the first exemplary embodiment contacts a developer carrier.
【図５】比較例１の現像装置の層形成部材が現像剤担持
体に当接する位置近傍の拡大図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a position where a layer forming member of the developing device of Comparative Example 1 contacts a developer carrier.
１…層形成部材（弾性体ブレード） ２…現像剤担持体（現像ローラ） ３…現像剤 ４…段差 ５…供給部材 ６…現像室 ７…メインホッパ ８…アジテータ ９…現像剤補給口 １０…現像装置 １１…ゴムチップ １２…剛体金属板 ２０…感光体（潜像担持体） Ａ…層形成部材と現像剤担持体との当接位置 Ｓ1 …上流側の面 Ｓ2 …下流側の面DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Layer forming member (elastic blade) 2 ... Developer carrier (developing roller) 3 ... Developer 4 ... Step 5 ... Supply member 6 ... Developing room 7 ... Main hopper 8 ... Agitator 9 ... Developer supply port 10 ... surface of the developing device 11 ... rubber tip 12 ... rigid metal plate 20 ... photoconductor (image bearing member) a ... layer forming member and the contact between the developer carrying member position S 1 ... upstream surface S 2 ... downstream of
Claims (3)
電潜像担持体上へ搬送して潜像を現像する現像剤担持体
と、前記現像剤担持体によって担持される現像剤の厚さ
を規制して現像剤の層を現像剤担持体上に形成する層形
成部材とを有する現像装置において、 層形成部材が現像剤担持体と当接する位置から下流側の
現像剤担持体に面する側の層形成部材の面の表面粗さが
その当接位置から上流側の面の表面粗さより小さく、か
つ、その当接位置よりも上流の面に下流に向かって落ち
る段差が設けられていることを特徴とする現像装置。1. A developer carrying member which rotates while carrying a developer on a surface and conveys the developer onto an electrostatic latent image carrier to develop a latent image, and a developer carried by the developer carrying member. A layer forming member for forming a layer of the developer on the developer carrying member by regulating the thickness of the developer carrying member, wherein the layer forming member contacts the developer carrying member downstream from a position where the layer forming member contacts the developer carrying member. The surface roughness of the surface of the layer forming member on the side facing the surface is smaller than the surface roughness of the surface on the upstream side from the contact position, and a step is provided on the surface upstream from the contact position and falls downstream. A developing device.
０．５〜３ｍｍの範囲内に設けられていることを特徴と
する請求項１記載の現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the step is provided in a range of 0.5 to 3 mm upstream from the contact position.
の範囲内にあることを特徴とする請求項１又は２記載の
現像装置。3. The depth of the step is 0.05 to 0.2 mm.
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device falls within the range.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP29543299A JP3726873B2 (en) | 1999-10-18 | 1999-10-18 | Development device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP29543299A JP3726873B2 (en) | 1999-10-18 | 1999-10-18 | Development device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2001117356A true JP2001117356A (en) | 2001-04-27 |
| JP3726873B2 JP3726873B2 (en) | 2005-12-14 |
Family
ID=17820534
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP29543299A Expired - Fee Related JP3726873B2 (en) | 1999-10-18 | 1999-10-18 | Development device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3726873B2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007106080A (en) * | 2005-10-17 | 2007-04-26 | Bridgestone Corp | Mold for forming developer quantity regulating blade, and developer quantity regulating blade formed by using it |
| US7289756B2 (en) | 2005-09-20 | 2007-10-30 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer regulating member with surface roughness parameters |
| JP2007290301A (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2007-11-08 | Bridgestone Corp | Mold for forming developing blade and developing blade by use thereof |
| JP2009210668A (en) * | 2008-03-03 | 2009-09-17 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Process cartridge, developing device equipped therewith, and image forming device |
| US8043081B2 (en) * | 2005-10-17 | 2011-10-25 | Bridgestone Corporation | Mold for forming developer blade, and developer blade formed with same |
| EP3985442A1 (en) * | 2020-10-14 | 2022-04-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device, regulating member, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
-
1999
- 1999-10-18 JP JP29543299A patent/JP3726873B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7289756B2 (en) | 2005-09-20 | 2007-10-30 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer regulating member with surface roughness parameters |
| JP2007106080A (en) * | 2005-10-17 | 2007-04-26 | Bridgestone Corp | Mold for forming developer quantity regulating blade, and developer quantity regulating blade formed by using it |
| US8043081B2 (en) * | 2005-10-17 | 2011-10-25 | Bridgestone Corporation | Mold for forming developer blade, and developer blade formed with same |
| US8644740B2 (en) | 2005-10-17 | 2014-02-04 | Bridgestone Corporation | Mold for forming developer blade, and developer blade formed with same |
| JP2007290301A (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2007-11-08 | Bridgestone Corp | Mold for forming developing blade and developing blade by use thereof |
| JP2009210668A (en) * | 2008-03-03 | 2009-09-17 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Process cartridge, developing device equipped therewith, and image forming device |
| EP3985442A1 (en) * | 2020-10-14 | 2022-04-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device, regulating member, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| US11493856B2 (en) | 2020-10-14 | 2022-11-08 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device, regulating member, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| US11709439B2 (en) | 2020-10-14 | 2023-07-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device, regulating member, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3726873B2 (en) | 2005-12-14 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP3726873B2 (en) | Development device | |
| JP3726874B2 (en) | Development device | |
| JPH0651618A (en) | Developing device | |
| JP3904051B2 (en) | Development device | |
| JPH0830099A (en) | Developing device | |
| JP3050727B2 (en) | Image forming apparatus and developing apparatus | |
| JPH07181786A (en) | Developing device | |
| JP2759450B2 (en) | Image forming device | |
| JPH11272078A (en) | Image forming device | |
| JP3897085B2 (en) | Image forming apparatus | |
| JP2000162877A (en) | Liquid developing apparatus and electrophotographic device | |
| JP3755575B2 (en) | Development device | |
| JPH04186265A (en) | Developing method and device | |
| JP2632053B2 (en) | Toner developing device | |
| JP2937703B2 (en) | Developing device and image forming apparatus provided with the developing device | |
| JPH08202127A (en) | Developing device | |
| JPH08160735A (en) | Image forming device | |
| JP3897084B2 (en) | Image forming apparatus | |
| JP2001125349A (en) | Image forming device | |
| JPH06308817A (en) | Developing device | |
| JPH11249396A (en) | Image forming device | |
| JPS59114559A (en) | Developing device | |
| JP2001066890A (en) | Developing device | |
| US20030142986A1 (en) | Image-forming machine having a development station with a developer flow monitoring system | |
| JPH0279877A (en) | Developing device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A977 | Report on retrieval |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007 Effective date: 20050816 |
|
| TRDD | Decision of grant or rejection written | ||
| A01 | Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model) |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01 Effective date: 20050907 |
|
| A61 | First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure) |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61 Effective date: 20050920 |
|
| R150 | Certificate of patent or registration of utility model |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20091007 Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20101007 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20101007 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20111007 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20121007 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20121007 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20131007 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
| S531 | Written request for registration of change of domicile |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313531 |
|
| R350 | Written notification of registration of transfer |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350 |
|
| LAPS | Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees |