JP2003015417A - Developing device and image forming device provided with it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device and an image forming device provided with it, which surely prevent a developer from scattering and sticking by preventing toner from entering the area of a wiring pattern on the outside of each traveling wave generation electrode on a toner carrying member when using a mechanism (electric field curtain) which uses a traveling wave field to carry the toner. SOLUTION: An effective electrode width Le in the breadthwise direction of each traveling wave generation electrode 41b, a length Lt in the breadthwise direction of a toner existence area B on a supply member 44, and a length Lr in the breadthwise direction of a recovery member 45 are set so as to satisfy relation Lt<Le<=Lr. A wall 46 is provided on the boundary between a developer carrying area C on a toner carrying member 41 and an area D of the wiring pattern on the outside of each traveling wave generation electrode in the breadthwise direction. Seal members 49a and 49b are provided in both ends in the breadthwise direction of the toner existence area B on the supply member 44 and in both ends in the breadthwise direction of a toner existence area E on the recovery member 45 respectively.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image bearing member (image bearing member) with a developer or the like, and an image forming apparatus including the developing device. The present invention relates to a device that uses a mechanism (electric field curtain) that conveys a developer using a traveling wave electric field.

Further, the electrostatic latent image is not only the one in which optical information is written on an image carrier charged with a predetermined charge, but also an electrostatic charge is directly charged on a dielectric like an ion flow system. An electrostatic image is formed in the space by applying an arbitrary voltage to the one that forms a latent image or to the electrode that has a plurality of openings like the toner jet method, and the developer is directly ejected onto the recording medium. It is also applicable to those that perform image formation.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art As a developing apparatus applied to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, etc., at present, a non-developing apparatus which does not contact a developing agent carrier with an image carrier is used. A contact-type developing device is drawing attention, and a method using a powder cloud method, a jumping method, or an electric field curtain (traveling wave electric field) has been proposed.

As a means for generating an electric field curtain, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-68864, a supporting base material made of metal or resin,
An insulating layer laminated on the supporting base material is provided, and a plurality of electrodes are sequentially embedded in the insulating layer, with three electrodes for generating an electric field curtain function as one group. The developer is carried on the surface of the developer carrying member by a traveling wave electric field formed by applying a multiphase voltage to each electrode.

[0005]

By the way, in a developing device utilizing a traveling wave electric field, the outside in the width direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of each electrode on the developer conveying member (the conveying direction of the developer conveying member). Wiring patterns are provided on both sides in the width direction which are orthogonal to each other.

In this case, the traveling wave electric field condition is not formed in the area where the wiring pattern is located because it is located outside each electrode, and when the developer enters this area,
The developer may be scattered or adhered.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to prevent the developer from entering the area of the wiring pattern outside each electrode on the developer transport member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developing device capable of reliably preventing the developer from being scattered and adhered in an area and an image forming apparatus including the developing device.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, an electrostatic latent image is arranged in a developing area opposite to an image bearing member bearing on its surface, and a predetermined amount is formed on a substrate. A developer transport member is formed by covering a plurality of electrodes arranged at intervals with a surface protective layer, and the developer is transported on the developer transport member by a traveling wave electric field formed by applying a multiphase voltage to each electrode. In the developing device which is configured to be transported by, the supply member that supplies the developer is provided on the developer transport member. Then, the effective electrode width Le in the width direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrodes and the length L in the width direction orthogonal to the developer supply direction of the developer existing region on the supply member.
t and t are set so as to satisfy the relationship of Lt <Le.

Due to this particular matter, the length Lt of the developer existing region on the supply member in the width direction (direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of each electrode) is the same as the width direction of each electrode (direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction). It is narrower than the effective electrode width Le, and it is possible to prevent the developer from entering the area of the wiring pattern existing on the outer side in the width direction of each electrode, and to reliably prevent the developer from scattering or sticking in this area. It will be possible.

Here, a recovery member for recovering the developer transported on the developer transport member is provided, and the length Lr of the recovery member in the width direction orthogonal to the developer recovery direction and the width direction of each electrode. When the effective electrode width Le is set to satisfy the relation of Le ≦ Lr, the recovery member is transported within the effective electrode width Le by the length Lr of the recovery member which is longer than the effective electrode width Le of each electrode. The collected developer is reliably collected by the collecting member, and the developer is prevented from accumulating in the developer existing region on the developer conveying member.

Further, the developer transport region located between the developer supply position and the developer collection position on the developer transport member and the wiring pattern provided outside the width direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrodes. In the case where a wall is provided at the boundary between the region and the two regions, the wall blocks the developer transported in the developer transport region on the developer transport member from entering the region of the wiring pattern, It is possible to reliably prevent the scattering and sticking of the developer.

On the other hand, the surface of the developer carrying member is driven at a slow speed in the developer carrying direction (for example, a developer carrying speed of 10).
(1/10 to 1/100 speed)), and the developer is conveyed on the endless belt by a traveling wave electric field formed by applying a multiphase voltage to each electrode. In addition, it is possible to prevent the developer from entering the area of the wiring pattern that exists on the outer side in the width direction of each electrode, and to reliably prevent the developer from scattering and sticking in this area. Then, the developer conveyed within the effective electrode width Le is reliably collected by the collection member without being accumulated.

Moreover, if the length Lt in the width direction of the developer existing region on the supply member is narrower than the effective electrode width Le of each electrode, the developer enters the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt. It is possible to prevent the driving force of the endless belt from being reduced by the developer and to disturb the traveling wave electric field.

Here, the interval Lf between the areas of the wiring patterns provided outside in the width direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrodes, and the length Lb of the endless belt in the width direction orthogonal to the developer conveying direction. Is set so as to satisfy the relationship of Lf ≦ Lb, the length Lb in the width direction of the endless belt becomes wider than the space Lf between the regions of the wiring pattern outside each electrode, It is possible to prevent the developer from entering the inner peripheral surface of the belt, prevent the driving force of the endless belt from decreasing due to the developer, and rotate the endless belt stably, so that the developer can be stably conveyed. Become.

When seal members for sealing the developer are provided at both ends in the width direction of the developer existing area on the supply member, the developer is prevented from entering the area of the wiring pattern outside each electrode. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the developer from scattering and sticking.

Further, in the case where seal members for sealing the developer are provided at both ends in the width direction of the developer existing region on the collecting member where the collecting member for collecting the developer and the endless belt are in contact with each other, the collecting member is collected. The seal members at both ends of the developer existing area on the member prevent the transported developer from dripping on the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt, ensuring stable rotation of the endless belt and stabilizing the transport of the developer. It becomes possible to do it in the state.

On the other hand, in the case where a seal member for sealing the developer is provided at both ends in the width direction of the developer existing region on the recovery member where the recovery member for recovering the developer and the developer transport member are in contact with each other. The seal members at both ends of the developer existing area on the collecting member prevent the developer from entering the area of the wiring pattern outside each electrode even when the conveyed developer is defectively collected. It is possible to more reliably prevent the scattering and sticking of the.

Further, at both widthwise positions of the endless belt,
When a developer intrusion prevention wall is provided to prevent the invasion of the developer to the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt by contact with the inner peripheral surface, the end surface of the endless belt is moved to the inner peripheral surface at both side positions in the width direction. With the developer intrusion prevention wall that seals by contact with, the invasion of the developer due to scattering and collection failure to the inner surface of the endless belt is reliably prevented, and the reduction of the driving force of the endless belt due to the developer is surely prevented. As a result, the endless belt can be smoothly and stably rotated, and the transport of the developer can be maintained in a more stable state.

Particularly, when the contact portion of the developer intrusion prevention wall with the endless belt is made of an elastic body, the endless belt is effectively prevented from being deteriorated by the contact with the developer intrusion prevention wall. It becomes possible.

Further, when the image forming apparatus is equipped with the above-described developing device, the developer is prevented from entering the area of the wiring pattern outside each electrode, so that the developer is securely scattered and fixed. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can be prevented.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an image forming apparatus including a developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the image forming apparatus X, a cylindrical photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier is provided. Around the photosensitive drum 1, a charging member 2, an exposure member 3, a developing device 4, a transfer member 5, a cleaning member 6, and a charge removing member 7 are sequentially arranged around the photosensitive drum 1. Further, between the photoconductor drum 1 and the transfer member 5, a paper transport path for transporting the paper P is provided. A fixing device 8 including a pair of upper and lower fixing rollers 81, 81 is arranged on the downstream side of the photosensitive drum 1 when viewed from the conveying direction of the sheet conveying path.

In the electrophotographic process, an original image or an electrostatic latent image corresponding to data from a host computer (not shown) is formed on the photosensitive drum 1, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by a developing device. The image is formed by being transferred onto the sheet P.

The photoconductor drum 1 has a photoconductive layer 12 formed on a base material 11, and comprises a charging member 2 to the above-mentioned members 3 to 3.
It is rotatable according to the arrangement order of 7. First, the surface (photoconductive layer 12) of the photosensitive drum 1 is charged by the charging member 2 until it reaches a predetermined potential. The surface of the photoconductor drum 1 charged to a predetermined potential reaches the position of the exposure member 3 by the rotation of the photoconductor drum 1. The exposure member 3 is a writing unit that writes an image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 which is charged by light such as a laser, based on image information. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The surface of the photoconductor drum 1 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed reaches the position of the developing device 4 by the rotation of the photoconductor drum 1.

In the developing device 4, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is developed as a toner image by the toner T (developer) conveyed on the toner conveying member 41. The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 carrying the toner image reaches the position of the transfer member 5 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1.

The transfer member 5 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 onto the paper P. The toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 onto the paper P is fixed onto the paper P by the fixing device 8.

Photoreceptor drum 1 after the toner image is transferred
The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 reaches the position of the cleaning member 6 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. Cleaning member 6
Removes the toner T, paper dust, etc. remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The surface of the photoconductor drum 1 cleaned by the cleaning member 6 reaches the position of the charge removing member 7 by the rotation of the photoconductor drum 1. The charge removing member 7 removes the electric potential remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. One image formation is completed by the series of operations described above.

As the photosensitive drum 1, for example,
A metal drum such as aluminum is used as a base material 11, and a photoconductive layer 12 such as amorphous silicon (a-Si), selenium (Se) or an organic optical semiconductor (OPC) is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof.
Although a structure in which is formed into a thin film is mentioned, it is not particularly limited.

Examples of the charging member 2 include a charging wire such as a tungsten wire, a corona charger including a metal shield plate, a grid plate, a charging roller, a charging brush, and the like, but are not particularly limited thereto. Not a thing.

Examples of the exposing member 3 include, but are not limited to, semiconductor lasers and light emitting diodes.

Examples of the transfer member 5 include, but are not limited to, a corona transfer device, a transfer roller, and a transfer brush.

The cleaning member 6 may be a cleaning blade or the like, but is not particularly limited.

Examples of the charge removing member 7 include a charge removing lamp and the like, but are not particularly limited.

In this embodiment, a constant space is provided between the toner conveying member 41 and the photosensitive drum 1, and the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is developed in a non-contact manner. However, the present invention is not limited to this,
A configuration may be employed in which the toner transport member and the surface of the photosensitive drum are brought into contact with each other to perform contact development.

As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 4 includes a casing 40, a toner conveying member 41, and a mixing paddle 42. The casing 40 accommodates the toner T therein. The mixing paddle 42 is for mixing the toner T contained in the casing 40.

The toner conveying member 41 has a belt shape so as to face the developing area A of the photosensitive drum 1 and form a substantially flat surface. In this embodiment, the belt-shaped toner conveying member 41 is shown, but the shape of the toner conveying member 41 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a semi-circular shape.

The toner conveying member 41 is connected to the developing device 4
Is slightly inclined with respect to the up-down direction and is substantially parallel to the tangent line of the developing area A on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Further, a supporting member 43 for holding the toner conveying member 41 is provided on the surface opposite to the surface for conveying the toner T so that the belt-shaped toner conveying member 41 can maintain the above arrangement.

At the lower end of the toner conveying member 41, a supply member 44 for supplying the toner T conveyed on the surface of the toner conveying member 41 is provided. On the other hand, at the upper end portion of the toner conveying member 41, the toner conveying member 4
A collecting member 45 for collecting the toner T on the surface of No. 1 is provided.

A multi-phase AC power source 47 and a developing bias power source 48 are connected in series to the toner conveying member 41. The supply member 44 and the recovery member 45 each have, for example, a cylindrical shape and are rotatably in contact with the surface of the belt-shaped toner conveying member 41.

The supply member 44 is for supplying the toner T contained in the casing 40 to the toner conveying member 41, and the material thereof is not particularly limited, but for example, silicone or urethane is used. , EP
Solid rubber such as DM (ethylene-propylene-diene-methylene copolymer), foamed rubber and the like can be mentioned.
Further, conductivity may be imparted by adding carbon black or an ion conductive agent (voltage application is also possible).
The contact pressure between the supply member 44 and the toner conveying member 41 or the voltage value applied to the supply member 44 may be set to an appropriate value to add the function of charging the toner T to the supply member 44. Alternatively, in the front stage of the supply member 44,
For example, a thin plate blade (the same material as the supply member 44 can be used as the material) may be provided to charge the toner.

The collecting member 45 collects the toner T that does not contribute to the development of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 and returns it to the developing device 4, and the material thereof is not particularly limited. However, for example, the same material as the supply member 44 can be used.

The support member 43 is for holding the belt-shaped toner conveying member 41 in a state of facing the developing area A of the photosensitive drum 1, and its structure is not particularly limited. For example, ABS (Acryloni
trile-Butadiene-Styrene (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin and the like.

The toner conveying member 41 conveys the toner T by an electric field curtain action, and as shown in FIG. 3, a traveling wave generating electrode for generating an electric field curtain action on a base material 41a made of an insulating layer. A plurality of sets 41b, ... Are sequentially arranged, with four sets as one set. The surface side of the toner transport member 41 is covered with a surface protective layer 41c. Then, a polyphase AC voltage is applied to these electrodes 41b, ... From a polyphase AC power supply 47 for toner conveyance, so that an electric field curtain is generated on the surface of the toner conveyance member 41 in a direction parallel to it. As a result, the toner T is conveyed to the developing area A by the electric field curtain action. In this case, each traveling wave generating electrode 41b is a minute electrode having a width of 40 μm to 250 μm, which is 50 dpi (dot pe).
r inch) to 300 dpi, that is, about 500 μm
They are arranged parallel to each other with a pitch of 85 μm.

Specific examples of the toner conveying member 41 include, for example, base material 41a: polyimide (thickness: 25 μm).
m), traveling wave generating electrode 41b: copper (thickness 18 μm), surface protection layer 41c: polyimide (thickness 25 μm). In the present embodiment,
The four traveling wave generating electrodes 41b, ... Are set as one set, and the traveling wave generating electrodes 41b ,.
A traveling wave electric field is formed on the traveling wave generating electrodes 41b, ... By applying a four-phase alternating voltage having a voltage waveform as shown in FIG. 5, but the invention is not particularly limited to this. Alternate voltages of three phases may be applied with one set of generating electrodes. Further, it is preferable that a bias voltage (developing bias) is applied so that a developing electric field is formed between the photoconductor drum 1 and the toner conveying member 41.

The voltage waveform may be a sine wave or a trapezoidal wave, and the range of the voltage value is the traveling wave generating electrode 41b,
In order not to cause dielectric breakdown between 41b, for example, 100
V to 3 kV is preferable, and the frequency range is 1
00 Hz to 5 kHz is preferably used. However, these voltage values and frequencies are not particularly limited as long as appropriate values may be set depending on the shape of the traveling wave generating electrode element, the transport speed of the toner T, the material used for the toner T, and the like.

As a characteristic part of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the width direction orthogonal to the array direction of the traveling wave generating electrodes 41b (vertical direction in FIGS. 5 and 6).
Of the effective electrode width Le and the width direction orthogonal to the toner supply direction of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 (see FIG. 5).
And the length Lt in the width direction (vertical direction in FIGS. 5 and 6) orthogonal to the toner collecting direction of the collecting member 45, Lt <Le ≦ Lr Is set to meet.

Further, the toner carrying region C located between the toner feeding position and the collecting position on the toner carrying member 41 and the wiring patterns provided outside the width direction of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b. Walls 46 and 46 for partitioning the areas C and D are provided at the boundaries between the areas D and D, respectively.

Further, seal members 49a and 49 for sealing the toner T are provided at both widthwise ends of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 which is in contact with the toner conveying member 41.
a is provided. Further, seal members 49b, 49b for sealing the toner T are provided at both ends in the width direction (vertical direction in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the toner existing area E on the recovery member 45 which is in contact with the toner conveying member 41. ing.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length Lt in the width direction (width direction of each traveling wave generation electrode 41b) of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 and each traveling wave generation electrode 41.
Effective electrode width L in the width direction of b (direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction)
Since e is set to satisfy the relationship of Lt <Le, the width Lt of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 in the width direction is larger than the effective electrode width Le of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b. The toner T is prevented from entering the areas D and D of the wiring patterns that are narrowed and are present outside the width direction of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b, and the toner is reliably scattered and fixed in the areas D of the wiring patterns. Can be prevented.

Moreover, the length Lr of the recovery member 45 in the width direction is
Is set so as to satisfy the relationship of Le ≦ Lr, and therefore the carrier is transported within the effective electrode width Le by the length Lr in the width direction of the recovery member 45 longer than the effective electrode width Le of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b. The collected toner T can be reliably collected by the collection member 45, and the toner can be prevented from accumulating in the developer existing region C on the toner transport member 41.

Further, both areas C and D are formed at the boundary between the toner carrying area C on the toner carrying member 41 and the areas D and D of the wiring patterns provided outside the traveling wave generating electrodes 41b in the width direction. Since the partition walls 46 and 46 are provided, the walls T prevent the toner T transported in the toner transport area C on the toner transport member 41 from entering the area D of the wiring pattern, and the toner T is scattered. It is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of adhesion and sticking.

Since the seal members 49a for sealing the toner T are provided at both widthwise ends of the toner existing region C on the supply member 44, each traveling wave generating electrode 4 is provided.
The toner T is prevented from entering the areas D, D of the wiring pattern on the outer side of 1b. Further, since the seal members 49b and 49b for sealing the toner T are provided at both ends in the width direction of the toner existing area C on the collecting member 45, even if the conveyed toner T is poorly collected, the wiring pattern is formed. The toner is prevented from entering the area D. This makes it possible to prevent the toner T from scattering and sticking more reliably.

Further, by providing the image forming apparatus X with the developing device 4 as described above, the toner T is prevented from entering the areas D, D of the wiring pattern outside each traveling wave generating electrode 41b, and the toner T is scattered. It is possible to provide the image forming apparatus X capable of reliably preventing the adhesion and the fixation.

In the first embodiment, the effective electrode width Le of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b in the width direction and the length Lt of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 in the width direction are set.
And the length Lr of the recovery member 45 in the width direction are Lt <Le
The toner conveying member 4 is set to satisfy the relation of ≦ Lr.
1 and the traveling wave generating electrode 41
Walls 46, 46 are provided at the boundary between the wiring pattern regions D, D on the outer side in the width direction of b, and seal members 49a, 49b are provided at both ends in the width direction of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 and the recovery member 45. Although provided, at least the effective electrode width Le in the width direction of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b and the length Lt in the width direction of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 are set so as to satisfy the relationship of Lt <Le. If so, the other conditions may be set in any combination. Further, the width direction length Lt of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 and the width direction length Lr of the recovery member 45 may be set so as to satisfy the relationship of Le ≦ Lr.

<Second Embodiment> Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

In this embodiment, the developing device is provided with an endless belt which is driven on the toner conveying member at a slow speed in the toner conveying direction. The rest of the configuration except the endless belt is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the endless belt 9 is provided on the surface of the toner conveying member 41 (the surface facing the photosensitive drum 1) so as to cover the surface in the circumferential direction. Has been. The endless belt 9 is driven at a predetermined peripheral speed by a driving roller 91 provided inside the casing 40 of the developing device 4. In this way, by driving the endless belt 9 at a predetermined peripheral speed, the surface of the toner conveying member 41 is constantly renewed, and charging and toner T adhesion on this surface are prevented.
In this case, the drive speed of the endless belt 9 is, for example, 1/10 to 1/100 of the transport speed of the toner T.
For example, two infrared sensors are provided and the time when the toner T reaches each is detected, or it is possible to measure using a high-speed video camera.

Further, a constant tension is applied to the endless belt 9 so as to be in close contact with the surface of the toner conveying member 41, and the traveling wave formed by the traveling wave generating electrode 41b is formed on the surface. The electric field (electric field curtain) acts uniformly. As the endless belt 9, an organic insulating material such as polyimide, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyfluoroethylene propylene, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or a rubber material such as silicon, isoprene, or butadiene is used. Applied. And the endless belt 9
The thickness depends on the pitch between the electrodes of the toner conveying member 41, but is 5 μm to 200 μm, preferably 10 μm to 100 μm.
μm is preferred. Further, as the driving roller 91, S
A metal roller member made of US or iron or a metal roller member having a cored bar covered with a member such as rubber, film or sponge is used.

The toner T conveyed on the surface of the endless belt 9 is supplied by the supply member 44, while the toner T on the surface of the endless belt 9 is collected by the collecting member 45. Then, each traveling wave generation electrode 41
By applying a multi-phase AC voltage from the multi-phase AC power source 47 to b, ..., An electric field curtain is generated on the endless belt 9 in a direction parallel to the electric field curtain. The toner T is conveyed. In this case, when the toner T adheres on the surface of the toner conveying member 41, the toner conveying member 41
Since the endless belt 9 that is driven at a slow speed moves on the surface of the toner, even if the toner T stops being conveyed in the region directly above the toner conveying member 41, the toner T is conveyed by the endless belt 9 to a region having a strong electric field strength. The conveyance is restarted, and the toner T is smoothly conveyed.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an interval Lf between the wiring pattern regions D on the outer side in the width direction of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b (including the wiring pattern region D).
And the length Lb of the endless belt 9 in the width direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 9) orthogonal to the toner conveying direction are set so as to satisfy the relationship of Lf ≦ Lb.

At both ends in the width direction of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 that comes into contact with the endless belt 9,
A seal member 92a that seals the toner T is provided. Further, seal members 92b for sealing the toner T are provided at both ends in the width direction of the toner existing region E on the recovery member 45 that contacts the endless belt 9. These seal members 92a and 92b are arranged in pairs on both sides in the rotation direction of the supply member 44 and the recovery member 45, with the contact portion contacting the endless belt 9 being sandwiched therebetween.

Direct contact with the toner T in the casing 40 is prevented on the outer side (right side in FIG. 7) of the endless belt 9 facing the toner T in the casing 40 on the back surface side of the toner conveying member 41. A substantially arcuate toner wall 93 is provided.

Further, at both sides of the endless belt 9 in the width direction, a toner intrusion prevention wall 94 for preventing the toner T from entering the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt 9 by contact with the inner peripheral surface thereof,
94 (developer intrusion prevention wall) are provided respectively.
The periphery of each toner intrusion prevention wall 94, that is, the contact portion with the endless belt 9 is formed of an elastic body 94a.

In this case, the width Lt of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 in the width direction and each traveling wave generating electrode 4 are provided.
The effective electrode width Le of 1b is set so as to satisfy the relationship of Lt <Le, and the width Lt of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 in the width direction is larger than the effective electrode width Le of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b. Is also narrowed.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the width Lb of the endless belt 9 in the width direction is wider than the distance Lf between the regions D of the wiring pattern outside the traveling wave generating electrodes 41b. The toner T is prevented from entering the areas D, D of the wiring pattern outside each traveling wave generating electrode 41b, so that the toner T can be reliably prevented from scattering and adhering, and the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt 9 is prevented. Invasion of the toner T into the toner is prevented, the driving force of the endless belt 9 is prevented from being lowered by the toner T, the endless belt 9 is stably rotated, and the toner T can be stably conveyed. Furthermore, the effective electrode width Le
It is possible to reliably collect the toner T transported inside by the collecting member 45 without accumulating.

Further, the width Lt of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 in the width direction is determined by each traveling wave generating electrode 41b.
Since the toner T is prevented from entering the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt 9, the driving force of the endless belt 9 is reduced by the toner T and the traveling wave electric field is disturbed. Can be prevented.

In addition, on both sides in the rotation direction of the supply member 44 sandwiching the contact portion contacting the endless belt 9 at both widthwise ends of the toner existing region B on the supply member 44 contacting the endless belt 9. Since the seal member 92a forming the structure is provided, it is possible to prevent the supplied toner T from dripping on the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt 9. Also,
At both ends in the width direction of the toner existing area E on the recovery member 45 that contacts the endless belt 9, there are seal members 92b that are paired on both sides in the rotation direction of the recovery member 45 that sandwich a contact portion that contacts the endless belt 9. Since it is provided, it is possible to prevent the conveyed toner T from dripping on the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt 9. Further, toner intrusion prevention walls 94, 94 that prevent the toner T from entering the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt 9 by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt 9 are provided at both widthwise positions of the endless belt 9. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the toner T from entering the endless belt 9 due to scattering and collection failure on the inner peripheral surface side. As a result, the decrease in the driving force of the endless belt 9 due to the toner T can be reliably prevented, the endless belt 9 can be smoothly and stably rotated, and the conveyance of the toner T can be maintained in a stable state.

Since the contact portion (periphery) of each toner intrusion prevention wall 94 with the endless belt 9 is constituted by the elastic body 94a, the endless belt 9 is deteriorated by the contact with each toner intrusion prevention wall 94. Can be effectively prevented.

In the second embodiment, the area D of the wiring pattern on the outer side in the width direction of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b,
The distance Lf between D and the width Lb of the endless belt 9 in the width direction are set so as to satisfy the relationship of Lf ≦ Lb, and the effective electrode width Le of each traveling wave generating electrode 41b in the width direction is supplied. The width L of the toner existing region B on the member 44 in the width direction
t and so as to satisfy the relationship of Lt <Le,
Sealing members 92a are provided on both ends in the width direction of the toner existing area B on the supply member 44, and seal members 92a are provided on both ends in the width direction of the toner existing area E on the collecting member 45.
Although b is provided, and the toner intrusion prevention walls 94, 94 are provided at both side positions of the endless belt 9 in the width direction, at least the effective electrode width Le in the width direction of each traveling wave generating electrode 41 b and the supply member 44. The other conditions may be set in any combination as long as the width Lt of the toner existing region B in the width direction is set to satisfy the relationship of Lt <Le.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the electrostatic latent image in which the optical information is written on the photosensitive drum charged with a predetermined charge as described in the above embodiments. , Such as the ion flow method, which directly forms an electrostatic latent image on a dielectric, or the toner jet method, which applies an arbitrary voltage to an electrode having a plurality of openings, electrostatically discharges the space. It can also be applied to a device that directly forms an image by forming an electric image and flying a developer onto a recording medium.

[0071]

As described above, the width Lt of the developer existing region on the supply member in the width direction is narrower than the effective electrode width Le of each electrode in the width direction, so that each electrode is on the outside in the width direction. It is possible to prevent the developer from entering the area of the wiring pattern, and reliably prevent the developer from scattering and sticking in this area.

Here, by making the width Lr of the recovery member in the width direction longer than the effective electrode width Le of each electrode in the width direction,
The developer transported within the effective electrode width Le can be reliably collected by the collection member, and the developer can be prevented from accumulating in the developer existing region on the developer transportation member.

By partitioning the boundary between the developer transport area on the developer transport member and the wiring pattern on the outer side in the width direction of each electrode by a wall, the wiring pattern area of the developer transported in the developer transport area. It is possible to prevent the developer from scattering and sticking to the surface of the developer.

On the other hand, even in the mechanism of covering the surface of the developer carrying member with the endless belt which is driven at a slow speed on the surface of the developer carrying member, the above-mentioned relationship of Le, Lt, and Lr is maintained, so that the wiring pattern region is maintained. It is possible to prevent the developer from entering into the area, to reliably prevent the developer from scattering and adhering in this area, and to ensure that the developer conveyed in the effective electrode width Le is not accumulated by the collecting member. Can be collected. Moreover, if the length Lt in the width direction of the developer existing region on the supply member is made narrower than the effective electrode width Le of each electrode, it is possible to prevent the developer from entering the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt, It is also possible to prevent the driving force of the endless belt from being lowered by the agent and the disturbance of the traveling wave electric field.

Here, the length Lb in the width direction of the endless belt
Is made wider than the interval Lf between the areas of the wiring patterns on the outer sides of the respective electrodes in the width direction, so that the developer is prevented from entering the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt, and the driving force of the endless belt by the developer is prevented. Can be prevented and the endless belt can be stably rotated, so that the developer can be stably conveyed.

By providing seal members at both ends in the width direction of the developer existing region on the supply member, it is possible to prevent the developer from entering the region of the wiring pattern outside each electrode and prevent the developer from scattering. It is possible to more reliably prevent sticking.

Further, by providing the seal members at both ends in the width direction of the developer existing area on the collecting member, it is possible to prevent the developer from dripping to the inner peripheral surface side of the endless belt and to ensure the stable rotation of the endless belt. However, the developer can be conveyed in a stable state. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent the developer from invading into the area of the wiring pattern outside each electrode due to poor recovery of the developer on the developer transport member, and to more reliably prevent the developer from scattering and sticking.

By providing a developer intrusion prevention wall that seals by contact with the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt at both side positions in the width direction, the development due to scattering and collection failure on the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt. It is possible to reliably prevent the intrusion of the developer, smoothly and stably rotate the endless belt without lowering the driving force, and maintain the developer in a more stable state.

In particular, by forming the contact portion of the developer intrusion prevention wall with the endless belt by an elastic body, the deterioration of the endless belt can be effectively prevented.

Further, by equipping the image forming apparatus with such a developing device, it is possible to prevent the developer from entering the area of the wiring pattern outside each of the electrodes, and reliably prevent the developer from scattering or sticking. An image forming apparatus to be obtained can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the developing device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a toner conveying member.

FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing a voltage waveform applied to the toner conveying member.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a planar configuration of the toner transport member.

FIG. 6 is a view of the configuration of the toner transport member viewed from the toner transport direction.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure around a toner conveying member.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of the toner conveying member as seen from the direction of arrow K in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor drum (image bearing member) 4 Developing device 41 Toner conveying member (developer conveying member) 41a Base material 41b Traveling wave generating electrode (electrode) 41c Surface protective layer 44 Supplying member 45 Recovery member 46 Walls 49a, 92a Supplying member Sealing members 49b and 92b at both ends Sealing members 9 at both ends of the collecting member Endless belt 94 Toner intrusion prevention wall (developer intrusion prevention wall) 94a Elastic body A Development area B Toner existing area C on supply member Toner conveyance area (Developer conveyance) Area) D Area of wiring pattern E Toner existing area on collecting member Le Effective electrode width Lt Length of toner existing area on supply member in width direction Lr Length of collecting member in width direction Lf Distance between wiring patterns Lb Endless Belt length in the width direction T Toner (developer) X Image forming apparatus

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Taisuke Uemura             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Toizumi             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company (72) Inventor Toshimitsu Goto             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company F term (reference) 2H077 AC01 AC04 AC13 AC16 AD07                       AD31 AD35 CA12

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An electrostatic latent image is arranged in a developing area facing an image carrier that carries the electrostatic latent image, and a plurality of electrodes arranged at a predetermined interval on a base material are covered with a surface protective layer. In the developing device, the developer transporting member is configured to transport the developer on the developer transporting member by a traveling wave electric field formed by applying a multiphase voltage to each electrode. And an effective electrode width L in the width direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrodes.
The developing device is characterized in that e and a length Lt of the developer existing region on the supply member in a width direction orthogonal to the developer supply direction are set so as to satisfy the relationship of Lt <Le. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, further comprising a collecting member for collecting the developer conveyed on the developer conveying member, and a length of the collecting member in a width direction orthogonal to the developer collecting direction. The developing device, wherein the length Lr and the effective electrode width Le of each electrode in the width direction are set so as to satisfy the relationship of Le ≦ Lr. 3. The developing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an array of electrodes and a developer transport region located between the developer supply position and the developer supply position on the developer transport member. A developing device, characterized in that a wall is provided at a boundary with an area of a wiring pattern provided on the outer side in the width direction orthogonal to the direction, and a wall separating the both areas is provided. 4. The developing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of the developer transport member is covered with an endless belt that is driven at a slow speed in the developer transport direction on the surface of the developer transport member. The developing device is characterized in that it is conveyed on an endless belt by a traveling wave electric field formed by applying a multi-phase voltage to each electrode. 5. The developing device according to claim 4, wherein an interval Lf between wiring patterns provided on the outer side in the width direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of each electrode and an orthogonal direction to the developer conveying direction of the endless belt. Length L in the width direction
The developing device is characterized in that b is set so as to satisfy the relationship of Lf ≦ Lb. 6. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein seal members for sealing the developer are provided at both widthwise ends of the developer existing region on the supply member. And a developing device. 7. The developing device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a width direction of a developer existing region on a collecting member where the collecting member for collecting the developer and the endless belt are in contact with each other. At both ends of
A developing device comprising a seal member for sealing the developer. 8. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a recovery member for recovering the developer and a developer existing region on the recovery member in contact with the developer transport member are provided. The developing device is provided with a seal member for sealing the developer at both ends in the width direction. 9. The developing device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the endless belt has an inner peripheral surface side contacted with its inner peripheral surface at both widthwise positions of the endless belt. A developing device having a developer intrusion prevention wall for preventing the invasion of the developer into the developing device. 10. The developing device according to claim 9, wherein the developer intrusion prevention wall has an elastic body at a contact portion with the endless belt. 11. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.