JP2005242194A - Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing apparatus capable of effectively preventing toner-scattering from a developing container, and to provide an image forming apparatus capable of satisfactorily recovering the scavenged toner. <P>SOLUTION: A magnetic member 30 is arranged in the jaw part (a part positioned near a developing sleeve 26 in the developing container 22) 22a of the developing container 22. The magnetic member 30 is constituted of, for example, a ferromagnetic metal magnetic shielding plate and a ferromagnetic magnetic shielding tape. A prescribed magnetic force is formed in accordance with an N-S order magnetic field by the magnetic force of a developing pole N1 and a shield pole S1 arranged in a fixed magnetic roller 25, and the magnetic force passes through the inside of the magnetic member 30, and the current of the magnetic force is concentrated to the shield pole S1, then, the toner is effectively prevented from scattering from the jaw part 22a of the developing container 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing device that performs development by electrophotographic development using a developer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “toner”), and in particular, for preventing scattering of the developer outside the development area. The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus provided with a developer recovery device for removing scattered developer.

  In general, in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic developing printer, a facsimile, or a copying machine, a magnetic toner is used to form a toner image on the surface of a photoconductor on which an electrostatic latent image based on image data of an original is formed. There is provided a developing device that accommodates a one-component magnetic developer composed of a two-component magnetic developer formed by mixing a magnetic carrier and a toner.

  Further, as a developing device for developing using a one-component magnetic developer, electrostatic toner on the latent image carrier is caused by friction between magnetic toner particles and friction between a developing sleeve as a developer carrier and magnetic toner particles. A charge opposite in polarity to the image charge and the development reference potential is applied to the magnetic toner, and this magnetic toner is applied very thinly on the developing sleeve, so that the image bearing member and the developing sleeve are opposed to the developing region. The magnetic toner is conveyed, and in the development area, the magnetic toner flies and adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor due to the potential difference between the surface of the photoconductor and the developing bias applied between the developing roller and the photoconductor. And developing the latent electrostatic image as a toner image is generally known.

  In recent years, in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, aiming at higher image quality, the particle diameter of toner as a developer for forming an image has been reduced to 5 to 6 μm. Accordingly, it can be said that the toner having the small particle diameter is easily scattered from the developing portion on the air flow generated in the vicinity of the surface of the photosensitive member generated by the movement of the image carrier. Adhering to various devices in the main body of the forming apparatus causes toner contamination, or drops toward the toner image to deteriorate the image quality, thereby adversely affecting the image. For example, the scattering toner adheres to the charging device, the transfer device, etc., and charging unevenness is likely to occur, and problems such as transfer failure, separation failure, and transfer material contamination are likely to occur.

  Therefore, in the developing device, generally, a seal member for preventing the toner from scattering and flowing out of the development area is provided. As the seal member, for example, an elastic body such as felt or foam rubber is used. A configured elastic seal member is used. This elastic seal member is attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction outside the developing region of the developing roller composed of a developing sleeve containing a fixed magnet, and presses the elastic sealing member against the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller. This prevents toner scattering.

  However, in the developing device having such a configuration, as described above, since the elastic seal member is in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller, a large load is applied to the motor that rotates the developing roller during development. Therefore, rotation unevenness occurs in the developing roller, which may adversely affect image formation. In addition, there is a problem that the elastic seal member deteriorates due to contact with the developing roller, and the sealing performance deteriorates.

  Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it is a common practice to prevent the toner from scattering by disposing a magnetic seal member made of a magnetic material at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller at a constant interval. Yes. In this case, the magnetic toner carried on the developing sleeve by the magnetic force of the fixed magnet is restrained by the magnetic field formed in the gap between the end of the fixed magnet and the magnetic seal member, and the developing sleeve and the magnetic seal member By forming a magnetic brush by the rising of magnetic toner in the gap, the magnetic toner that flows out from the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve is blocked to perform a sealing action (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  For the toner scattered in the image forming apparatus main body, for example, an air suction method for sucking the scattered toner with a fan, or a bias voltage is applied to the collecting roller and placed close to the photosensitive member and the developing device. A method for collecting toner has been proposed. However, in the air suction method, a suction duct is required, so that a large space must be secured and there is a problem of noise caused by a fan. On the other hand, the method of using the collecting bias roller has a lower collecting performance than the case of using the air suction method, and the scattered toner charged in both polarities as the toner particle size is reduced as described above. Therefore, the method of applying a bias having a predetermined polarity, that is, either positive or negative polarity, to the collecting roller has a problem that the scattered toner cannot be sufficiently collected.

In view of this, an image forming apparatus that improves the collection of scattered toner by changing the bias applied to the scattered toner collecting roller disposed near the developing device in accordance with the bias applied to the developing device has been proposed. More specifically, when the amount of negatively charged toner increases corresponding to the developing bias applied to the developing device, the positively charged bias is applied to the collecting roller, and conversely the positively charged toner Is increased, the negative toner bias is applied to the recovery roller to improve the recovery of the scattered toner (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-15411 A JP-A-11-174792

  However, in the method of disposing the conventional magnetic seal member, although it is possible to effectively prevent toner scattering from the longitudinal end portion of the developing sleeve containing the fixed magnet, the jaw portion (that is, the developing container) Since toner scattering from the developing container (portion located in the vicinity of the developing roller) cannot be prevented, the scattered toner is contaminated in the image forming apparatus and adversely affects various image forming means in the image forming apparatus. There was a problem. Further, among the magnetic toners carried on the developing sleeve, the toner carried on the surface of the developing sleeve is in an easily charged state because the charging is unstable. If the toner remains on the toner, the toner on the developing sleeve is gradually compressed, making it difficult to stably form a thin toner layer on the developing sleeve. There was a problem that defects occurred. In the conventional method of collecting scattered toner by the collecting roller, the toner adhering to the collecting roller is scraped off by a scraper, and the collected toner is disposed above the collecting roller when stored in the collecting container. The toner adhering to the collecting roller is restrained by the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller in the developing device, so that the toner adhering to the collecting roller cannot be sufficiently scraped off by the scraper and collected as a result. There is a problem that it becomes difficult to sufficiently collect the toner.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a developing device that can effectively prevent toner scattering from the developing container, and an image that can satisfactorily collect collected toner. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the developing device of the present invention includes a developing container for storing a developer and a fixed magnet having a plurality of magnetic poles, and is rotatable to guide the developer onto the surface of the photoreceptor. And a developing roller comprising a developing sleeve supported on a shaft, and a magnetic member is provided in a portion of the developing container located near the developing roller.

  Here, the magnetic member may be extended to a position below a magnetic pole facing a portion of the developing container located in the vicinity of the developing roller among the plurality of magnetic poles included in the fixed magnet.

  In addition, the present invention can be an image forming apparatus including the developing device according to claim 1 or 2.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a developing container for containing a developer, a fixed magnet, and a developing sleeve that is rotatably supported to guide the developer onto the surface of the photoreceptor. A developing device having a roller; a recovery roller that is provided downstream of the developing device in the rotational direction of the photosensitive member and collects scattered developer; a cleaning member that cleans the surface of the recovery roller; and recovered scattered development And a developer recovery device having a developer recovery container for storing the developer, wherein a magnetic member is disposed between the fixed magnet and the recovery roller.

  Here, the magnetic member can be provided in the developer collecting container, and the developing container and the developer collecting container can be integrally formed. Furthermore, the magnetic member can be made of a ferromagnetic material.

  In addition, another image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a developing container for containing a developer, a fixed magnet, and a developing sleeve rotatably supported to guide the developer onto the surface of the photosensitive member. A developing device having a developing roller, a collecting roller that is provided downstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member, collects the scattered developer, and a cleaning member that cleans the surface of the collecting roller. A developer collecting device having a developer collecting container for containing the scattered developer, and a first magnetic member is provided in a portion of the developing container located near the developing roller, and between the fixed magnet and the collecting roller. The second magnetic member is arranged in the structure.

  According to the present invention, a magnetic member is provided in a portion of the developing container located in the vicinity of the developing roller, and in particular, the magnetic member is the developing roller of the developing container among the plurality of magnetic poles contained in the fixed magnet. Since it is configured to extend below the magnetic pole facing the portion located in the vicinity, the magnetic force formed by the fixed magnet passes through the inside of the magnetic member and the magnetic pole facing the portion located near the developing roller. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the toner from scattering from the developing container. As a result, it is possible to prevent contamination of the image forming apparatus due to the scattered toner and the image. It becomes possible to avoid defects.

  In addition, since the flow of magnetic force is concentrated on the magnetic pole facing the portion of the developing container located near the developing roller, the toner layer carried on the developing sleeve is loosened by the magnetic force concentrated on the magnetic pole. Accordingly, toner adhesion on the surface of the developing sleeve can be effectively prevented, and a toner thin layer can be stably formed on the developing sleeve, and as a result, image defects can be avoided. Is possible.

  According to the present invention, since the image forming apparatus including the developing device according to claim 1 or 2 is configured, the same effect as the developing device according to claim 1 or 2 is obtained. It becomes possible to obtain.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the magnetic member is arranged between the fixed magnet and the collection roller, the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller is shielded by the magnetic member, and the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller does not reach the collection roller. Therefore, the toner adhering to the collecting roller is not restrained by the magnetic force. Accordingly, the toner adhering to the collecting roller can be sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning member, and as a result, the collected toner can be reliably collected.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the developing container and the developer recovery container are integrally formed, it is possible to save the space of the image forming unit and to downsize the image forming apparatus. Is possible.

  According to the present invention, since the magnetic member disposed between the fixed magnet and the collection roller is made of a ferromagnetic material, the fixed magnet and the collection roller are arranged close to each other, and the fixed magnet with respect to the collection roller is arranged. Even when the magnetic influence due to the magnetic force is increased, the magnetic force of the fixed magnet can be sufficiently shielded by the magnetic member. Accordingly, the magnetic force of the fixed magnet does not reach the collecting roller, and the toner attached to the collecting roller is not restrained by the magnetic force, so that the toner attached to the collecting roller can be sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning member. As a result, the collected toner can be reliably recovered.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the first magnetic member is provided in a portion of the developing container located near the developing roller, and the second magnetic member is disposed between the fixed magnet and the collection roller. The toner can be effectively prevented from scattering from the developing container, and the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller toward the collecting roller can be completely shielded by the synergistic effect of the first and second magnetic members. Therefore, the toner adhering to the collecting roller is not restrained by the magnetic force. Therefore, the toner adhering to the collecting roller can be sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning member, and as a result, the collected toner can be reliably collected.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeding unit 2 disposed at a lower portion of the image forming apparatus main body 1a, and a sheet conveying unit disposed on the side and above the sheet feeding unit 2. 3, an image forming unit 4 disposed above the sheet conveying unit 3, a fixing unit 5 disposed on the discharge side of the image forming unit 4, the image forming unit 4, and the fixing unit 5 is provided with an image reading unit 6 disposed above 5.

  The paper feed unit 2 includes a plurality (four in this embodiment) of paper feed cassettes 7 in which paper 9 is stored. The paper 9 is sent from the selected paper feed cassette 7 to the paper transport unit 3, and the paper 9 is surely fed to the paper transport unit 3 one by one. These four paper feed cassettes 7 are configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 1.

  The paper 9 fed to the paper transport unit 3 is transported toward the image forming unit 4 via the paper supply path 10. The image forming unit 4 forms a predetermined toner image on the paper 9 by an electrophotographic process, and is an image end holder that is rotatably supported in a predetermined direction (the arrow direction in the figure). A charging device 12, an exposure device 13, a developing device 14, a developer collecting device 15, a transfer device 16, a cleaning device 17, and a static eliminating device 18 are arranged around the photosensitive member 11 and along the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 11. I have.

  The charging device 12 includes a charging wire to which a high voltage is applied. By applying a predetermined potential to the surface of the photoconductor 11 by corona discharge from the charging wire, the surface of the photoconductor 11 is uniformly charged. It is done. The exposure device 13 irradiates the photoconductor 11 with light based on the image data of the original read by the image reading unit 6, whereby the surface potential of the photoconductor 11 is selectively attenuated, and this photosensitivity is detected. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the body 11. Next, toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image by the developing device 14 to form a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 11, and the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 11 is transferred to the photoconductor 11 by the transfer device 16. The image is transferred to a sheet 9 supplied between the apparatus 16 and the apparatus 16. Further, the toner scattered around the photosensitive member 11 and below the developing device 14 is collected by a developer collecting device 15 disposed below the developing device 14.

  The sheet 9 on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed from the image forming unit 4 toward the fixing unit 5. The fixing unit 5 is disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 4 in the sheet conveyance direction, and the sheet 9 on which the toner image is transferred in the image forming unit 4 includes a heating roller 19 provided in the fixing unit 5, and The toner image is fixed on the sheet 9 by being sandwiched and heated by the pressure roller 20 pressed against the heating roller 19. Next, the sheet 9 on which the image is formed in the fixing device 5 from the image forming unit 4 is discharged onto the discharge tray 21. On the other hand, after the transfer, the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 11 is removed by the cleaning device 17, and the residual charge on the surface of the photoconductor 11 is removed by the static eliminator 18. Then, the photoreceptor 11 is charged again by the charging device 12, and image formation is performed in the same manner.

  Next, the developing device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the developing device in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 14 according to this embodiment includes a developing container 22 that stores a magnetic one-component developer, a pair of mixers 23 and 24 disposed in the developing container 22, and a developing container 22. A fixed magnet roller 25 having a plurality of magnetic poles disposed on the opening side, and enclosing the fixed magnet roller 25, and rotating to guide the stored magnetic developer (magnetic toner) onto the surface of the photoreceptor 11. A developing roller (or toner carrying roller) 27 comprising a nonmagnetic developing sleeve 26 that is freely supported and a plate-like magnetic body is formed, and hangs down from above the developing roller 27 toward the upper surface of the developing roller 27. The magnetic blade 28 is composed of a developing bias 29 applied between the developing roller 27 and the photosensitive member 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic pole of the fixed magnet roller 25 has an N pole developing pole N1 near the developing position, and a jaw portion of the developing container 22 on the downstream side of the developing sleeve 26 in the rotational direction of the developing pole N1 (ie, the developing container). 22, a portion located near the developing roller 27) at the position facing the shield pole S <b> 1 at the position 22 a and the magnetic blade 28 at the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 26 of the developing pole N <b> 1. Blade poles S2 are respectively arranged.

  A toner replenishing hole H is opened on the upper surface of the developing container 22 above the mixer 23 so that toner can be charged by a toner cartridge (not shown). The charged toner is sufficiently stirred by the pair of mixers 23 and 24 and guided to the developing sleeve 26. The magnetic toner guided to the developing sleeve 26 is carried on the developing sleeve 26 using the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25, and the magnetic toner is disposed above the developing roller 27 and serves as a toner layer thickness regulating member. The thickness is regulated by the acting magnetic blade 28. Thereafter, the magnetic toner carried on the developing sleeve 26 is guided to a developing position, that is, on the surface of the photoreceptor 11 by the developing roller 27.

  The developing sleeve 26 is set to a predetermined peripheral speed, and the developing sleeve 26 is set to rotate in the same direction between the drum and the sleeve with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 11 (see FIG. 2). . The developing sleeve 26 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the photoconductor 11. The developing bias 29 is applied with a low electric field developing bias in which a direct current component DC and an alternating current component AC are superimposed, and image density adjustment is performed by controlling the AC oscillation frequency.

  In this configuration, the present embodiment is characterized in that a magnetic member 30 is provided on the jaw portion 22a of the developing container 22, as shown in FIG. It is attached so as to cover the surface of the jaw portion 22a, and extends to the lower side of the shield pole S1, which is a magnetic pole facing the jaw portion 22a, among the plurality of magnetic poles included in the fixed magnet roller 25. .

  The magnetic member 30 is made of, for example, ferritic stainless steel (for example, SUS430) or martensitic stainless steel (for example, SUS403, SUS410) that is a ferromagnetic material, permalloy having high permeability and excellent workability. Magnetic shield plate made of metal, magnetic shield sheet such as Finemet (registered trademark) that exhibits ferromagnetism and soft magnetic properties, or has high permeability, is flexible, and is very deteriorated due to bending Less amorphous magnetic shielding tape is used.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing lines of magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller in the developing device according to the present embodiment. Here, in the vicinity of the jaw portion 22a of the developing container 22, a predetermined magnetic field line is formed according to the NS forward magnetic field by the magnetic force of the developing pole N1 and the shield pole S1 disposed on the fixed magnet roller 25. As described above, since the magnetic member 30 is provided in the jaw portion 22a of the developing container 22, the magnetic force passes through the magnetic member 30 as shown in FIG. In addition, since the magnetic member 30 extends to the lower side of the shield pole S1, which is a magnetic pole facing the jaw portion 22a, the magnetic force passing through the inside of the magnetic member 30 tends to flow toward the shield pole S1. As shown in FIG. 3, the flow of magnetic force concentrates on the shield pole S1, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the magnetic field lines from spreading.

  Then, the magnetic toner is arranged between the shield pole S1 of the fixed magnet roller 25 and the magnetic member 30 in accordance with the magnetic field lines shown in FIG. 3, so that it is effective that the toner is scattered from the jaw portion 22a of the developing container 22. As a result, it is possible to prevent contamination in the image forming apparatus 1 due to scattered toner and to avoid image defects.

  Further, as described above, by providing the magnetic member 30 on the jaw portion 22a of the developing container 22, the flow of magnetic force concentrates on the shield pole S1, so that the toner layer carried on the developing sleeve 26 concentrates on the shield pole S1. It will be loosened by the magnetic force. Accordingly, toner adhesion on the surface of the developing sleeve 26 can be effectively prevented, so that a thin toner layer can be stably formed on the developing sleeve 26. As a result, an image can be obtained. It becomes possible to avoid defects.

  In general, the developing roller 27 including the developing sleeve 26 rotatably supported by the shaft is easily heated by the rotation. Therefore, the developing roller 27 needs to be cooled, but magnetic toner is carried on the developing sleeve 26. Therefore, it is difficult to cool the developing roller 27 directly. Here, as described above, the magnetic member 30 is composed of a metal magnetic shield plate or the like and has a high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, a cooling fan (non-conductive) is provided around the magnetic member 29. The magnetic member 30 is cooled by the cooling fan, thereby cooling the atmosphere around the magnetic member 30 and indirectly cooling the developing roller 27 disposed in the vicinity of the magnetic member 30. It becomes possible.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the developer recovery device in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a developer recovery device 15 for recovering toner scattered around the photosensitive member 11 or below the developing device 14 is exposed below the developing device 14 (that is, sensitive to the developing device 14). It is arrange | positioned in the rotation direction downstream of the body 11. The developer collecting device 15 includes a collecting roller 35 that collects scattered toner, a developer collecting container 36 that stores the scattered toner collected by the collecting roller, and a scraper 37 that is a cleaning member that cleans the surface of the collecting roller 35. And a collecting roller bias 38 for applying a predetermined voltage to the collecting roller 35.

  In this embodiment, instead of the fixed magnet roller 25 described in the first embodiment, a fixed magnet roller 25 ′ is included in the developing sleeve 26, and the magnetic pole of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, an N-pole developing pole N1 near the developing position, an S-pole shielding pole S1 facing the jaw 22a of the developing container on the downstream side of the developing sleeve 26 in the rotational direction of the developing pole N1, and the shield An S pole blade pole S2 is disposed at a position facing the pumping pole N2 positioned downstream of the developing sleeve 26 in the rotation direction of the pole S1 and the magnetic blade 28 upstream of the developing sleeve N1 in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 26. .

  In this embodiment, a positively charged magnetic one-component developer is used as the developer, and a drum-shaped one made of amorphous silicon having a predetermined diameter (for example, 84 mm) is used as the photoreceptor 11. The surface potential of the photoconductor 11 was set to + 300v. The developing sleeve 26 is made of stainless steel having a predetermined diameter (for example, 25 mm). The developing bias 29 has a DC component DC of +200 V, an AC component AC of +1.6 kV, and an oscillation frequency of 2. Set to 5 kHz. The collection roller 35 is made of a non-magnetic stainless steel material having a predetermined diameter (for example, 6 mm), and is rotated by a counter with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 11 to collect the collection roller bias 38 (DC component). DC) was set to + 1000V.

  In the above configuration, the positive polarity magnetic toner carried on the developing sleeve 26 is guided to the developing position, that is, on the surface of the photosensitive member 11 by the developing roller 27. As the diameter is reduced, the amount of scattered toner charged to both polarities has increased, so that there is also a magnetic toner having the opposite polarity (that is, negative polarity). The magnetic toner having such an opposite polarity is a toner unnecessary for development and easily scatters around the photoconductor 11 or the lower side of the developing device 14 and needs to be collected. Under the above-described conditions, the scattered toner having the opposite polarity receives an electrostatic force toward the collection roller 35 due to the electrolytic action formed between the photoconductor 11 and the collection roller 35, and is applied to the surface of the collection roller 35. Will be adsorbed.

  Here, the present embodiment is characterized in that a magnetic member 39 is provided between the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the collection roller 35. The magnetic member 39 may be provided at any position between the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the collection roller 35 as long as a shielding effect against the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′, which will be described later, can be obtained. As shown in FIG. 4, the developer recovery container 36 can be attached to the upper surface of the developing device 14 side. The magnetic member 39 is composed of a plate-like stainless steel made of weak magnetic material, for example, an austenitic stainless steel plate (for example, SUS303, SUS304).

  As described above, when the scattered toner is collected by the collecting roller 35, the toner adhering to the collecting roller 35 is scraped by the scraper 37, and when the collected toner is stored in the developer collecting container 36, The toner adhering to the recovery roller 35 is restrained by the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ in the developing device 14 disposed in the image forming apparatus 14, but in this embodiment, between the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the recovery roller 35. By providing the magnetic member 39, the magnetic force by the fixed magnet roller 25 'passes through the inside of the magnetic member 39 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, since the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ is shielded by the magnetic member 39, the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ does not reach the recovery roller 35, and the toner adhering to the recovery roller 35 is restrained by the magnetic force. It will not be done. Therefore, the toner attached to the collection roller 35 can be sufficiently scraped off by the scraper 37, and as a result, the collected toner can be reliably collected.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the developing container 22 of the developing device 14 and the developer collecting container 36 of the developer collecting device 15 are provided separately, and the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the collecting are collected. Since the rollers 35 are arranged apart from each other, the magnetic influence of the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ on the collection roller 35 is reduced. Therefore, as described above, even when the magnetic member 39 is formed of a weak magnetic material, the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ can be sufficiently shielded by the magnetic member 39. It is possible to avoid the magnetic force reaching the collection roller 35.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the developer recovery apparatus in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the component similar to the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, in the second embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the developer container 22 and the developer recovery container 36 are provided separately, and the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the recovery roller 35 are disposed apart from each other. Even when the magnetic member 39 is formed of a weak magnetic material, the shielding effect against the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller can be sufficiently exhibited. Therefore, in the configuration in which the developing container 22 and the developer recovery container 36 are separately provided as in the second embodiment, a wasteful space around the image forming unit increases. The problem that it cannot respond to the said size reduction arises.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the developing container 22 of the developing device 14 and the developer collecting container 15 of the developer collecting device 15 are integrally formed to save space in the image forming unit 4. I am trying. However, when the developer container 22 and the developer recovery container 15 are integrally formed as described above, although the space can be saved, the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the recovery roller 35 are disposed close to each other. The magnetic influence of the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ on the recovery roller 35 is increased, and in the magnetic member 39 formed of a weak magnetic material as in the second embodiment, the fixed magnet roller 25 is formed by the magnetic member 39. The inconvenience arises that the magnetic force of 'cannot be shielded sufficiently.

  Therefore, the present embodiment is characterized in that the magnetic member 40 is provided between the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the recovery roller 35, and the magnetic member 40 is made of a ferromagnetic material.

  As with the magnetic member 39 described above, the magnetic member 40 is provided at any position between the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the collection roller 35 as long as the shielding effect against the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ can be obtained. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, it can be attached inside the developer collection container 36 and in the vicinity of the collection roller 35. Further, the magnetic member 40 is made of, for example, ferritic stainless steel or martensitic stainless steel, which is a ferromagnetic material, or permalloy having high permeability, like the magnetic member 30 described in the first embodiment. A magnetic shield plate made of metal can be used.

  In the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the magnetic member 40 is provided between the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the collection roller 35, and the magnetic member 40 is made of a ferromagnetic material. The container 22 and the developer collecting container 15 of the developer collecting device 15 are integrally formed to save space, so that the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the collecting roller 35 are arranged close to each other and fixed to the collecting roller 35. Even when the magnetic influence due to the magnetic force of the magnet roller 25 ′ increases, as shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ passes through the inside of the magnetic member 40, and the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ The magnetic force can be sufficiently shielded by the magnetic member 40. Accordingly, the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ does not reach the recovery roller 35 and the toner attached to the recovery roller 35 is not restrained by the magnetic force. Therefore, the toner attached to the recovery roller 35 is sufficiently removed by the scraper 37. As a result, the collected toner can be reliably recovered.

  In addition, the said embodiment is only an explanatory example, The scope of the present invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Based on the meaning of this invention, the shape, dimension, material, etc. of each structural article are changed. It is possible that they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the magnetic member 30 is separately provided on the jaw portion 22a of the developing container 22. However, only the jaw portion 22a of the developing container 22 may be formed of a magnetic material. good.

  In the second embodiment, the magnetic member 39 is formed of a weak magnetic material. However, the magnetic member 39 may be formed of a ferromagnetic material.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which further provides the magnetic member 30 demonstrated in 1st Embodiment in the structure of the said 2nd, 3rd embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic member 30 is provided on the jaw portion 22a of the developing container 22, and the magnetic member 39 (or the magnetic member 40) is disposed between the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ and the collection roller 35. And With this configuration, the effect of the magnetic member 30 described in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the collection roller can be obtained by the synergistic effect of the magnetic members 30 and 39 (or the magnetic members 30 and 40). Since the magnetic force of the fixed magnet roller 25 ′ directed to 35 can be completely shielded, the toner adhering to the collecting roller 35 is not restrained by the magnetic force. Therefore, the toner adhering to the collection roller 35 can be sufficiently scraped off by the scraper 37, and as a result, the collected toner can be reliably collected.

  Examples of utilization of the present invention include an image forming apparatus equipped with a developing device that performs development by an electrophotographic developing method using a developer, and a developer collecting device that removes the scattered developer.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a developing device in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the magnetic force line of the fixed magnet roller provided in the developing device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of a developer recovery device in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the magnetic member in the developer collection | recovery apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of a developer recovery device in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the magnetic member in the developer collection | recovery apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a magnetic member is provided in the developing device illustrated in FIG. 4.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Paper feed part 3 Paper conveyance part 4 Image forming part 5 Fixing part 6 Image reading part 11 Photoconductor 14 Developing apparatus 15 Developer collection apparatus 22 Developing container 22a Developing container jaw part 25 Fixed magnet roller 26 Developing sleeve 27 Developing roller 30 Magnetic member 35 Recovery roller 36 Developer recovery container 37 Scraper 39, 40 Magnetic member

Claims (8)

A developing container containing a developer; and a developing roller including a fixed magnet having a plurality of magnetic poles and a developing sleeve rotatably supported to guide the developer onto the surface of the photoreceptor. In the developing device
A developing device, wherein a magnetic member is provided in a portion of the developing container located near the developing roller. The magnetic member extends to a position below a magnetic pole facing a portion of the developing container located near the developing roller among the plurality of magnetic poles included in the fixed magnet. Item 2. The developing device according to Item 1. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 1. A developing device having a developing container for containing the developer, a developing roller including a fixed magnet, and a developing roller rotatably supported to guide the developer onto the surface of the photoreceptor; A developing roller that is provided downstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photoconductor and collects the scattered developer, a cleaning member that cleans the surface of the collecting roller, and a developer that contains the collected scattered developer. In an image forming apparatus comprising a developer recovery device having a developer recovery container,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a magnetic member is disposed between the fixed magnet and the collection roller. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the magnetic member is provided in the developer recovery container. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the developing container and the developer collecting container are integrally formed. The developing device according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic member is made of a ferromagnetic material. A developing device having a developing container for containing the developer, a developing roller including a fixed magnet, and a developing roller rotatably supported to guide the developer onto the surface of the photoreceptor; A developing roller that is provided downstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photoconductor and collects the scattered developer, a cleaning member that cleans the surface of the collecting roller, and a developer that contains the collected scattered developer. In an image forming apparatus comprising a developer recovery device having a developer recovery container,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a first magnetic member is provided in a portion of the developing container located in the vicinity of the developing roller, and a second magnetic member is disposed between the fixed magnet and the collecting roller. .

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