JP2004077758A - Developing device and processing cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device and a processing cartridge which prevent variations in SB gap caused by distribution and also prevent warp and deformation of a development blade. <P>SOLUTION: In an image non-formation area, a blade having a fixed gap between a development sleeve and itself is fixed with screws at longitudinal both ends. In an image area, the blade is fixed by applying an adhesive between a developing container and the blade. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a process cartridge or a developing device used for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or an electrophotographic printer, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same.
[0002]
Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on the recording medium 52 using an electrophotographic image forming process.
[0003]
For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer or a laser beam printer), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, and an electrophotographic word processor are included.
[0004]
Here, the process cartridge means that at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum as an image carrier are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body. Is what you do. The developing device is a device in which the toner storage unit and the developing unit are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus main body.
[0005]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a process cartridge system has been adopted in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging unit, a developing unit, a cleaning unit, and the like are integrally integrated into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body.
[0006]
The operability is further improved by this cartridge system, and the maintenance of the process means can be easily performed by the user himself. Therefore, this cartridge system is widely used in the image forming apparatus main body.
[0007]
Further, the process means is divided into those having a long life and those having a short life, each of the process means is formed into a cartridge, and a cartridge configuration which can be used in accordance with the life of the main process means has been realized. For example, a developing cartridge in which a toner container and a developing unit are integrally formed, or a drum cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging unit, and a cleaning unit are integrally formed, are employed.
[0008]
In such a cartridge, as a conventional developing method, a two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier is used, and a surface of a developer carrier (hereinafter, also referred to as a developing sleeve) in which a magnet is disposed is used. The magnetic brush is formed as a magnetic brush, and the magnetic brush is rubbed or brought close to the photosensitive drum facing the developing sleeve while maintaining a small developing gap, and an electric field is continuously applied between the developing sleeve and the photosensitive drum. A so-called magnetic brush developing method is known, in which the development is performed by repeatedly displacing and reversely displacing toner particles from the developing sleeve side to the photoreceptor drum side by applying. As a layer thickness regulating member (hereinafter, also referred to as a blade) for regulating the layer thickness of the magnetic brush of the two-component developer, a plate-shaped metal member made of a non-magnetic or magnetic material is used. When the surface facing the developing sleeve is oriented substantially toward the center of the developing sleeve, the gap for determining the layer thickness of the magnetic brush (hereinafter, also referred to as SB gap) is easily adjusted. The configuration has been widely used conventionally. In this configuration, a screw is used for fixing the layer thickness regulating member to the container at the time of adjusting and assembling, and is performed using not only both ends but also several places in the center.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the developing sleeve and the layer thickness regulating member are made of a metal material and the SB gap is very small (150 to 300 μm), there is a possibility that the layer thickness regulating member may move due to contact or collision during distribution. The SB gap fluctuates due to the movement of the layer thickness regulating member. Variations in SB gap degrade image quality.
[0010]
According to the present invention, when the developing sleeve and the layer thickness regulating member come into contact with or collide with each other, the layer thickness regulating member is prevented from moving and the SB gap is kept constant, thereby suppressing the occurrence of defective products at the time of shipping. It is another object of the present invention to provide a developing device and a process cartridge capable of preventing waving, warping, deformation, and the like caused by tightening of a layer thickness regulating member by a screw.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a developing device and a process cartridge characterized by the following constitution, and the following numbers are assigned to corresponding claims.
[0012]
(1) at least a developer carrier;
A developer accommodating section that accommodates the developer and has an opening;
The developer carrier is disposed at a predetermined gap, and regulates the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier to a predetermined layer thickness. Layer thickness regulating member fixed to developer storage section
In a developing device comprising:
The developing device, wherein the layer thickness regulating member is fixed to the developer accommodating portion using an adhesive in an image area.
[0013]
(2) The layer thickness regulating member can be adjusted and assembled to a predetermined layer thickness with respect to the developer carrying member, and the developer accommodating portion has an insert screw. The developing device according to 1).
[0014]
(3) The developing device according to (1), wherein the adhesive is a two-component epoxy adhesive.
[0015]
(4) In a process cartridge including at least an image carrier and a developing device around the image carrier,
The developing device includes:
A developer carrier that is disposed around the image carrier and carries a developer;
A developer accommodating section that accommodates the developer and has an opening;
The developer carrier is disposed at a predetermined gap, and regulates the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier to a predetermined layer thickness. Layer thickness regulating member fixed to developer storage section
In a developing device comprising:
The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the layer thickness regulating member is fixed to the developer accommodating portion using an adhesive in an image area.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the longitudinal direction is a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium 52, and is the same direction as the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, photosensitive drum 2). The left and right are the left and right as viewed from the transport direction of the recording medium 52. Further, upper and lower are upper and lower in the mounted state of the cartridge.
[0017]
[Overall Description of Image Forming Apparatus]
First, the overall configuration of a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be schematically described with reference to FIG.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of a color laser beam printer which is an embodiment of a color toner image forming apparatus.
[0019]
The image forming section of the color laser beam printer includes four process cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) each including a photosensitive drum 2 as an image carrier. Exposure means 51Y, 51M, 51C, 51K (laser beam optical scanning system) corresponding to each color are arranged in parallel above the cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K.
[0020]
Below the image forming section, a feeding means for feeding the recording medium 52, an intermediate transfer belt 54a for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2, and a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 54a for the recording medium 52 A secondary transfer roller 54d for transferring the image to the second transfer roller 54 is disposed.
[0021]
Further, a fixing unit for fixing the recording medium 52 onto which the toner image has been transferred, and a discharging unit for discharging the recording medium 52 to the outside of the apparatus and stacking the same are arranged.
[0022]
Here, the recording medium 52 is, for example, paper, an OHP sheet, cloth, or the like.
[0023]
The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is a cleanerless system apparatus, and the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 is taken into developing means, and a dedicated cleaner for collecting and storing the transfer residual toner is provided in the process cartridge. Not placed.
[0024]
Next, the configuration of each section of the image forming apparatus will be sequentially described in detail.
[0025]
[Paper Feeding Unit]
The paper feeding unit feeds the recording medium 52 to the image forming unit, and includes a feeding cassette 53a in which a plurality of recording media 52 are stacked and stored, a feeding roller 53b, a retard roller 53c for preventing double feeding, and It mainly comprises a feed guide 53d and a registration roller 53g.
[0026]
The feeding roller 53b is driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation, and separates and feeds the recording media 52 in the feeding cassette 53a one by one. The recording medium 52 is guided by a feeding guide 53d, and is conveyed to registration rollers 53g via conveyance rollers 3e and 3f.
[0027]
Immediately after the recording medium 52 is conveyed, the registration rollers 53g stop rotating, and the recording medium 52 is corrected for skew by hitting the nip portion.
[0028]
During the image forming operation, the registration roller 53g performs, in a predetermined sequence, a non-rotating operation of keeping the recording medium 52 stationary and a rotating operation of conveying the recording medium 52 toward the intermediate transfer belt 54a in the next step. The position between the toner image and the recording medium 52 in a certain transfer step is adjusted.
[0029]
[Process cartridge]
The process cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are integrally configured by arranging a charging unit and a developing unit around the photosensitive drum 2 as an image carrier. Then, the process cartridge can be easily removed from the apparatus main body by the user, and is replaced when the photosensitive drum 2 reaches the end of its life.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, for example, the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 2 is counted, and when the count exceeds a predetermined count, it is notified that the process cartridge has reached the end of its life.
[0031]
The photosensitive drum 2 of the present embodiment is a negatively charged organic photosensitive member, has a generally used photosensitive member layer on an aluminum drum base having a diameter of about 30 mm, and has a charge injection layer on the outermost layer. . Then, it is rotationally driven at a predetermined process speed, about 117 mm / sec in this embodiment.
[0032]
The charge injection layer uses a coating layer of a material in which, for example, SnO2 ultrafine particles are dispersed as conductive fine particles in a binder of an insulating resin.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 4, a drum flange 2b is fixed to the rear end of the photosensitive drum 2, and a non-drive flange 2d is fixed to the front end. The drum shaft 2a penetrates the center of the drum flange 2b and the non-drive flange 2d, and the drum shaft 2a, the drum flange 2b, and the non-drive flange 2d rotate integrally. That is, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated around the axis of the drum shaft 2a.
[0034]
The front end of the drum shaft 2a is rotatably supported by a bearing 2e, and the bearing 2e is fixed to a bearing case 2c. The bearing case 2c is fixed to the frame of the process cartridge.
[0035]
[Charging means]
The charging means uses a contact charging method. In this embodiment, a charging roller 3a is used as a charging member.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 2, the charging roller 3a rotatably holds both ends of a cored bar 3b by bearing members (not shown), and urges the pressing roller 3d in the direction of the photosensitive drum 2 to press the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The photosensitive drum 2 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 2.
[0037]
Reference numeral 3c denotes a charging roller cleaning member, which is a flexible cleaning film in this embodiment. One end of the cleaning film 3e is fixed to a supporting member 3f which is arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the charging roller 3a and reciprocates by a fixed amount in the longitudinal direction, and is in contact with the charging roller 3a on a surface near the free end. They are arranged to form a nip. The support member 3f is reciprocated by a predetermined amount in the longitudinal direction by a driving unit (not shown), and the surface of the charging roller is rubbed with the cleaning film 3e. This removes deposits (fine powder toner, external additives, etc.) on the surface of the charging roller.
[0038]
The image forming apparatus of this embodiment employs a cleanerless system. This cleanerless system will be described.
[0039]
[Cleanerless system]
First, an outline of a cleanerless system in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. The transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2 after the transfer passes through the charging unit a and the exposure unit b with the subsequent rotation of the photosensitive drum and the developing unit. c, and is simultaneously cleaned (collected) with the developing device by the developing device.
[0040]
Since the transfer residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 passes through the exposure portion b, the exposure process is performed on the transfer residual toner. However, since the amount of the transfer residual toner is small, no significant effect appears.
[0041]
However, the transfer residual toner includes normal polarity toner, reverse polarity toner (inverted toner), and toner having a small charge amount, and when the reverse toner or the toner having a small charge amount passes through the charging portion a. When the toner adheres to the charging roller 3a, the charging roller 3a is unduly contaminated with toner and charging failure occurs.
[0042]
Further, in order to effectively carry out simultaneous cleaning of the transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum surface by the developing device, the charge polarity of the transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum carried to the developing unit c is a normal polarity, and It is necessary that the charge amount is such that the developing device can develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Inverted toner and toner with an inappropriate charge amount cannot be removed and collected from the photosensitive drum to the developing device, causing a defective image.
[0043]
In addition, with the recent diversification of user needs, a large amount of untransferred toner is generated at a time due to continuous printing operation of images with a high printing rate such as photographic images, which further promotes the above-described problem. It is.
[0044]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a transfer residual toner (residual developer image) uniforming means 3g for uniformizing the transfer residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2 is provided at a position downstream of the transfer unit d on the photosensitive drum. At a position downstream of the transfer residual toner uniforming means 3g in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum and upstream of the charging unit a in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum, a toner for adjusting the charge polarity of the transfer residual toner to a negative polarity which is a normal polarity. (Developer) Charge control means 3h is provided.
[0045]
By providing the untransferred toner uniforming means 3g, the untransferred toner on the pattern on the photosensitive drum carried from the transfer section d to the toner charging control means 3h is transferred onto the photosensitive drum surface even if the toner amount is large. Since the toner particles are dispersed and non-patterned, the toner does not concentrate on a part of the toner charge control unit 3h, and the entire normal polarity charging process of the transfer residual toner by the toner charge control unit 3h is always performed. Sufficiently, the adhesion of transfer residual toner to the charging roller 3a is effectively prevented. Further, generation of a ghost image of the transfer residual toner image pattern is also prevented.
[0046]
In this embodiment, the transfer residual toner equalizing means 3g and the toner charge control means 3h are brush-like members having appropriate conductivity, and the brush portions are arranged in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum.
[0047]
These units are configured to move (reciprocate) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum by a drive source (not shown). By doing so, the transfer residual toner equalizing means 3g and the toner charging control means 3h do not continue to be located at the same position on the photosensitive drum. Even if there is a deficient portion, it does not always occur on the same photosensitive drum surface portion. Therefore, fusion occurs on the photosensitive drum due to minimal overcharging of the transfer residual toner. The adhesion of the transfer residual toner is prevented or reduced.
[0048]
[Exposure means]
In this embodiment, the exposure to the photosensitive drum 2 is performed by using a laser exposure unit. That is, when an image signal is sent from the apparatus main body, the laser beam L modulated according to the signal is scanned and exposed on the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 2. Then, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is selectively formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.
[0049]
The laser exposure means includes a solid-state laser element (not shown), a polygon mirror 51a, an imaging lens 51b, a reflection mirror 51c, and the like. On / off light emission control of the solid-state laser element is performed at a predetermined timing by a light emission signal generator (not shown) based on the input image signal. Laser light L emitted from the solid-state laser element is converted into a substantially parallel light beam by a collimator lens system (not shown), and scanned by a polygon mirror 51a rotating at high speed. Then, a spot image is formed on the photosensitive drum 2 via the imaging lens 51b and the reflection mirror 51c.
[0050]
In this manner, on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, exposure in the main scanning direction by laser beam scanning and exposure in the sub-scanning direction by further rotating the photosensitive drum 2 are performed, and an exposure distribution according to an image signal is obtained.
[0051]
That is, by the irradiation and non-irradiation of the laser beam L, a bright portion potential whose surface potential has dropped and a dark portion potential which is not so are formed. Then, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed by the contrast between the light portion potential and the dark portion potential.
[0052]
[Developing means]
The developing device 4 as a developing means is a two-component contact developing device (two-component magnetic brush developing device), and as shown in FIG. 2, a carrier is provided on a developing sleeve 4a which is a developer carrying member including a magnet roller 4b. And a toner developer. A regulating blade 4c, which is a layer thickness regulating member that regulates the layer thickness of the developer to a predetermined layer thickness, is provided on the developing sleeve 4a with a predetermined gap. A thin layer of developer is formed on the sleeve 4a.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 4, the developing sleeve 4a is disposed so as to have a predetermined gap with the photosensitive drum 2 by rotatably fitting the spacer 4k to the reduced diameter journal portions 4a1 on both sides thereof. Is set so that the developer formed on the developing sleeve 4a can be developed while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. The developing sleeve 4a is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed in a clockwise direction indicated by an arrow which is a counter direction to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 2 in the developing unit.
[0054]
The toner used in this embodiment is a negatively charged toner having an average particle diameter of 6 μm, and the magnetic carrier has a saturation magnetization of 205 emu / cm. ³ Of a magnetic carrier having an average particle size of 35 μm. A mixture of toner and carrier at a weight ratio of 6:94 is used as a developer.
[0055]
The developer accommodating portion 4h in which the developer is circulated is divided into two by a longitudinal partition wall 4d except for both end portions. The stirring screws 4eA and 4eB are arranged with the partition wall 4d interposed therebetween.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 4, the toner replenished from the toner replenishing container falls into the back side of the stirring screw 4eB, is stirred while being sent to the front side in the longitudinal direction, and passes through the front end without the partition 4d. Then, it is further sent to the far side in the longitudinal direction by the stirring screw 4eA, passes through the part without the partition 4d on the far side, is stirred while being sent by the stirring screw 4eB, and repeats circulation.
[0057]
Here, a developing process of visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by a two-component magnetic brush method using the developing device 4 and a developer circulation system will be described.
[0058]
With the rotation of the developing sleeve 4a, the developer in the developing container is pumped by the magnet roller 4b to the developing sleeve 4a surface and transported.
[0059]
In the course of the transport, the layer thickness of the developer is regulated by a regulating blade 4c arranged perpendicular to the developing sleeve 4a, and a thin layer developer is formed on the developing sleeve 4a. When the thin layer developer is conveyed to the developing pole corresponding to the developing section, ears are formed by magnetic force. The electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is developed as a toner image by the toner in the developer formed in the spike shape. In this example, the electrostatic latent image is reversely developed.
[0060]
The thin layer developer on the developing sleeve 4a that has passed through the developing section continues to enter the developing container with the rotation of the developing sleeve 4a, is separated from the developing sleeve 4a by the repulsive magnetic field of the transport pole, and the developer pool in the developing container. Is returned to.
[0061]
A direct current (DC) voltage and an alternating current (AC) voltage are applied to the developing sleeve 4a from a power supply (not shown). In the present embodiment, a DC voltage of −500 V and an AC voltage of a peak-to-peak voltage of 1500 V at a frequency of 2000 Hz are applied to selectively develop only the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 2.
[0062]
In general, in the two-component development method, when an AC voltage is applied, the development efficiency is increased and the quality of an image is high, but on the contrary, there is a risk that fogging is likely to occur. For this reason, fog is generally prevented by providing a potential difference between the DC voltage applied to the developing sleeve 4a and the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 2. More specifically, a bias voltage having a potential between the potential of the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 2 and the potential of the non-exposed portion is applied.
[0063]
When the toner is consumed by the development, the toner concentration in the developer decreases. In the present embodiment, a sensor 4g for detecting the toner density is arranged at a position close to the outer peripheral surface of the stirring screw 4eB. When the sensor 4g detects that the toner density in the developer has dropped below a predetermined density level, a command is issued to supply toner into the developing device 4 from the toner supply container. By this toner supply operation, the toner concentration of the developer is always maintained at a predetermined level.
[0064]
[Toner supply container]
The toner supply containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are arranged in parallel above the process cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, and are mounted from the front of the apparatus main body 100.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 2, a stirring plate 5b and a screw 5a fixed to a stirring shaft 5c are arranged inside the toner supply container, and a discharge opening 5f for discharging toner is formed on the bottom surface of the container. As shown in FIG. 5, both ends of the screw 5a and the stirring shaft 5c are rotatably supported by bearings 5d, and a drive coupling (concave) 5e is disposed at one end. The drive coupling (concave) 5e receives drive transmission from the drive coupling (convex) 62b of the apparatus main body and is driven to rotate. The outer shape of the screw 5a has a spiral rib shape, and the twist direction of the spiral is reversed around the discharge opening 5f. The screw is rotated in a predetermined rotation direction by the rotation of the drive coupling (convex) 62b. Then, the toner is conveyed toward the discharge opening 5f, the toner freely falls through the opening of the discharge opening 5f, and the toner is supplied to the process cartridge. The tip of the agitating plate in the rotational radius direction is inclined, and when it comes into sliding contact with the wall surface of the toner supply container, the tip comes into contact with a certain angle. Specifically, the tip side of the stirring plate is twisted to be in a spiral state. As described above, the tip side of the stirring plate is twisted and inclined, so that a conveying force is generated in the axial direction, and the toner is fed in the longitudinal direction.
[0066]
The toner supply container of the present embodiment is not limited to the two-component development method, and can be supplied also to a process cartridge or a development cartridge using a one-component development method. It goes without saying that the developer is not limited to the toner, and may be a so-called developer in which the toner and the magnetic carrier are mixed.
[0067]
[Transfer means]
The intermediate transfer unit 54, which is a transfer unit, is a unit that collectively secondary-transfers a plurality of toner images that are sequentially primary-transferred and superimposed on the photosensitive drum 2 collectively to the recording medium 52.
[0068]
The intermediate transfer unit 54 includes an intermediate transfer belt 54a that runs in the direction of the arrow, and runs at a peripheral speed substantially equal to the outer peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 2 in the clockwise direction of the arrow. The intermediate transfer belt 54a is an endless belt having a circumference of about 940 mm, and is stretched around three rollers: a driving roller 54b, a secondary transfer facing roller 54g, and a driven roller 54c.
[0069]
Further, in the intermediate transfer belt 54a, transfer charging rollers 54fY, 54fM, 54fC, and 54fK are rotatably arranged at positions facing the photosensitive drum 2, respectively, and are pressed toward the center of the photosensitive drum 2.
[0070]
The transfer charging rollers 54fY, 54fM, 54fC, and 54fK are supplied with power from a high-voltage power supply (not shown), charge the toner having the opposite polarity to the toner from the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 54a, and sequentially transfer the toner images on the photosensitive drum 2 to the intermediate transfer belt 54a. The primary transfer is performed on the upper surface.
[0071]
A secondary transfer roller 54d as a transfer member is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 54a at a position facing the secondary transfer facing roller 54g at the secondary transfer portion. The secondary transfer roller 54d is swingable up and down in the figure and rotates. At this time, a bias is simultaneously applied to the intermediate transfer belt 54a, so that the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 54a is transferred to the recording medium 52.
[0072]
Here, the intermediate transfer belt 54a and the secondary transfer roller 54d are each driven. When the recording medium 52 enters the secondary transfer section, a predetermined bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 54d, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 54a is secondarily transferred to the recording medium 52.
[0073]
At this time, the recording medium 52 sandwiched between them is conveyed at a predetermined speed to the left in the figure at the same time as the transfer step is performed, and is conveyed to the fixing device 56 which is the next step.
[0074]
At a predetermined position on the intermediate transfer belt 54a, which is the most downstream side of the transfer process, a cleaning unit that can be brought into contact with and separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 54a is provided to remove transfer residual toner remaining after the secondary transfer.
[0075]
In the cleaning unit 55, a cleaning blade 55a for removing transfer residual toner is disposed. The cleaning unit 55 is swingably mounted around a rotation center (not shown), and the cleaning blade 55a is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 54a in a direction to bite. The transfer residual toner taken into the cleaning unit 55 is transported and stored in a waste toner tank (not shown) by the feed screw 55b.
[0076]
Here, a belt made of a polyimide resin can be used as the intermediate transfer belt 54a. Other materials are not limited to polyimide resins, and include plastics such as polycarbonate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyvinylidene fluoride resin, polyethylene naphthalate resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polyethersulfone resin, and polyurethane resin. Alternatively, a fluorine-based or silicon-based rubber can be suitably used.
[0077]
[Fixing section]
The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by the developing unit is transferred onto the recording medium 52 via the intermediate transfer belt 54a. Then, the fixing device 56 fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium 52 to the recording medium 52 using heat.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 56 includes a fixing roller 56a for applying heat to the recording medium 52 and a pressure roller 56b for pressing the recording medium 52 against the fixing roller 56a. Roller. Each of them has a heater (not shown) therein. Then, the recording medium 52 is simultaneously conveyed by being driven to rotate.
[0079]
That is, the recording medium 52 holding the toner image is conveyed by the fixing roller 56a and the pressing roller 56b, and the toner image is fixed on the recording medium 52 by applying heat and pressure. The recording medium 52 after fixing is discharged by discharge rollers 53h and 53j, and is stacked on a tray 57 on the apparatus main body 100.
[0080]
[Installation of process cartridge and toner supply container]
Next, a procedure for mounting the process cartridge and the toner supply container will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5. FIG. An openable front door 58 is disposed at the front of the apparatus main body 100. When the front door 58 is opened to the front, an opening for inserting a process cartridge and a toner supply container is exposed.
[0081]
A centering plate 59 rotatably supported is disposed in the opening for inserting the process cartridge. When the process cartridge is inserted or removed, the centering plate 59 is opened.
[0082]
A guide rail 60 for guiding the mounting of the process cartridge and a guide rail 61 for guiding the mounting of the toner supply container are fixed in the apparatus main body 100.
[0083]
The mounting direction of the process cartridge and the toner supply container is parallel to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2, and the guide rails 60 and 61 are also arranged in the same direction. The process cartridge and the toner supply container are once slid from the near side to the far side inside the apparatus main body 100 along the guide rails 60 and 61 and inserted.
[0084]
When the process cartridge is inserted to the innermost part, the centering shaft 66 of the apparatus main body is inserted into the center hole 2f of the drum flange 2b, and the rotation center position on the back side of the photosensitive drum 2 is determined with respect to the apparatus main body. At the same time, the drive transmission portion 2g formed on the drum flange 2b and the drive coupling (convex) 62a are connected, so that the photosensitive drum 2 can be rotationally driven. The drive transmission portion 2g used in the present invention has a twisted triangular prism shape, and when a drive force from the main body is applied, the drive is transmitted and a force for drawing the photosensitive drum 2 to the back side is generated.
[0085]
Further, a support pin 63 for positioning the process cartridge is disposed on the rear side plate 65. The support pin 63 is inserted into a frame of the process cartridge, and the position of the frame of the process cartridge is fixed.
[0086]
A rotatable centering plate 59 is disposed on the front side of the apparatus main body 100, and the bearing case 2c of the process cartridge is supported and fixed to the centering plate 59. Through these series of insertion operations, the photosensitive drum 2 and the process cartridge are positioned with respect to the apparatus main body.
[0087]
On the other hand, when the toner supply container is inserted to the innermost portion, it is fixed to the support pins 64 protruding from the rear plate 65. At the same time, the drive coupling (concave) 5e and the drive coupling (convex) 62b are connected, and the screw 5a and the stirring shaft 5c can be rotationally driven.
[0088]
【Example】
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0089]
The regulating blade 4c accommodates the developer by screw members 80 at two longitudinal ends in the non-image area and is fixed to the developing container 4f, which is a developer accommodating section having an opening, and is adhered in the image area. It is fixed to the developing container 4f using an agent.
[0090]
Regarding the assembly, an adjusting and assembling method is performed to bring the regulating blade 4c into the developing sleeve 4a with a small gap of 150 to 300 μm, which is a predetermined gap for regulating the developer to a predetermined layer thickness. In order to enable tightening / loosening several times, the adhesive is of a slow curing type, and a bit insert 4p which is an insert screw is provided on the side of the developing container. In order to prevent the carrier from adhering, the surface of the regulating blade is non-magnetic, and accordingly, the screw member 80 is made of cold-rolled stainless steel. Although the screw member 80 uses a TP small screw, there is no restriction on the type.
[0091]
The tightening torque of the screw member 80 is 8 to 12 kgf · cm, which is lower than the rotational strength of the bit insert 4p. Further, at the time of tightening, it is possible to suppress a change in the position of the regulating blade due to the contact between the screw seat surface 80a and the regulating blade 4c, and to suppress a decrease in loosening torque caused by the floating of the bit insert 4p caused with time.
[0092]
As the adhesive 90, an epoxy adhesive that mixes two liquids of a main agent and a curing agent is used. In the selection of the adhesive, it is necessary to select a type in which the time until curing is longer than the time spent for adjustment and assembly, and in this embodiment, a type having a duration of 3 minutes or more is used.
[0093]
The adhesive is applied at two places at equal intervals from the center of the image in the image area, and the applied amount is about 20 to 100 mg per place. The developing container 4f has an adhesive-applied surface 4f1 with a gap of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm from the back surface (adhesive surface) of the regulating blade 4c. In addition, a hole 4f2 for injecting the adhesive at the time of assembling exists on the adhesive applied surface.
[0094]
As an effect of the adhesive 90, when the loosening torque of the screw member 80 is reduced, a change in the position of the regulating blade 4c (Z direction in the figure) due to the impact of the developing sleeve 4a contacting the regulating blade 4c due to the impact is prevented. . In addition, it is possible to reduce the warpage of the regulating blade at the time of assembly, and to reduce the warping and deformation of the regulating blade caused by the difference in the linear expansion coefficient between the metal and the resin member even in a low-temperature or high-temperature environment. Further, screw fixing at three or more locations in the longitudinal direction has conventionally been performed, but it is also possible to prevent waving occurring at the screw fastening portion at the center.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the developing device and the process cartridge of the present invention have the following effects.
[0096]
In the image area, the adhesive is interposed on the opposing surface of the regulating blade and the developing container, so that the regulating blade can be prevented from changing its position due to an impact or the like, and being warped in the environment, and the gap between the developing sleeve and the regulating blade can be kept constant. The quality of the cartridge can be guaranteed from the time of assembly to the time of use.
[0097]
A certain gap between the developing sleeve and the regulating blade can be firmly maintained by minimizing the number of screw members for fixing the regulating blade.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus main body according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge and a toner supply container according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an image forming apparatus main body according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a process cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal view of a developing device (developing container) according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal perspective view of a developing device (developing container) according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the developing device (developing container) according to the present invention, in which a regulating blade is screwed.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the developing device (developing container) according to the present invention in which a regulating blade is fixed with an adhesive.
[Explanation of symbols]
1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K process cartridge
1a frame
1a1 Guide rib
1b Supply opening
1c Exposure aperture
1d Supply port shutter
1d1 opening
1d2 rack
1e First holding member
1e1 opening
1e2 Guide rib
1e3 Seal member
1e4 Guide pin
1f Second holding member
1g Supply port cover
1g1 groove
1h Shutter opening / closing cam
1h1 gear
1h2 pin
1h3 center of rotation
1h4 Cam part
1h5, 1h6 engaging part
1i Lock member
1i1 nail
1i2 release unit
1j Seal member
1k laser shutter
1k1 opening / closing part
2 photosensitive drum,
2a Drum shaft
2b Drum flange
2c Bearing case
2d non-drive flange
2e bearing
2f center hole
2g drive transmission
3 Charging device
3a Charging roller
3b core metal
3c Charging roller cleaning member
3d push spring
3e Cleaning film
3f support member
3g Transfer residual toner uniforming means
3h Toner charging control means
4 Developing device
4a Developing sleeve
4a1 Journal
4b Magnet roller
4c Regulation blade
4d partition
4eA, 4eB Stirring screw
4f developer container
4f1 adhesive coated surface
4f2 hole
4g sensor
4h Developer storage section
4i bearing
4k developing spacer,
4m sleeve gear
5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K Toner supply container
5a screw
5b Stirring plate
5c Stirring shaft
5d bearing
5e drive coupling (concave)
5f discharge opening
5f1 outlet cover
5f2 holding member
5f2a pin
5f2b aperture
5f2c slit
5f3 outlet shutter
5f3a Rotation center
5f3b, 5f3b 'opening
5f3c slit
5f5 aperture
5f6 seal member
5h rail
51Y, 51M, 51C, 51K exposure means,
51a Polygon mirror
51b imaging lens
51c reflection mirror
L laser light
52 Recording medium
53 feeding means
53a feeding cassette
53b feed roller
53c retard roller
53d feeding guide
53e, 53f Transport roller
53g registration roller
53h, 53j Discharge roller
54 Intermediate transfer unit
54a Intermediate transfer belt
54b drive roller
54c driven roller
54d secondary transfer roller
54fY, 54fM, 54fC, 54fK Transfer charging roller
54g secondary transfer facing roller
55 Transfer Cleaning Unit
55a Cleaning blade
55b feed screw
56 Fixing unit
56a fixing roller
56b pressure roller
57 trays
58 Front Door
59 Centering plate
60,61 guide rail
62a, 62b drive coupling
63, 64 Support pin
65 Rear side plate
66 Centering axis
67 pin
68 convex
80 Screw member
80a Screw seat surface
90 adhesive
100 main unit
a Charging part
b Exposure unit
c Developing unit
d Transfer unit
D Photoconductor drum rotation direction
G Developing sleeve rotation direction

Claims (4)

At least a developer carrier,
A developer accommodating section that accommodates the developer and has an opening;
The developer carrier is disposed at a predetermined gap, and the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier is regulated to a predetermined layer thickness. In a developing device including a layer thickness regulating member fixed to the developer accommodating portion,
The developing device, wherein the layer thickness regulating member is fixed to the developer accommodating portion using an adhesive in an image area. The said layer thickness control member can adjust and assemble to a predetermined layer thickness with respect to the said developer carrying body, The said developer accommodating part is provided with the insert screw, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Developing device. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a two-component epoxy adhesive. In a process cartridge having at least an image carrier and a developing device around the image carrier,
The developing device includes:
A developer carrier that is disposed around the image carrier and carries a developer;
A developer accommodating section that accommodates the developer and has an opening;
The developer carrier is disposed at a predetermined gap, and the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrier is regulated to a predetermined layer thickness. In a developing device including a layer thickness regulating member fixed to the developer accommodating portion,
The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the layer thickness regulating member is fixed to the developer accommodating portion using an adhesive in an image area.

Images