JP2006065099A - Method for reattaching layer thickness regulating member, developing device, image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reattach a layer thickness regulating member to a developing device by an easy method. <P>SOLUTION: The method for reattaching the layer thickness regulating member includes: a step in which the layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of developer carried on a developer carrier by abutting on the developer carrier at its abutting part, is detached from the developing device provided with the layer thickness regulating member; a step in which the length of the layer thickness regulating member reattached to the developing device from its edge to the abutting part is adjusted according to information recorded in the developing device and showing the length of the layer thickness regulating member from the edge to the abutting part; and a step in which the layer thickness regulating member whose length is adjusted is reattached to the developing device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for reattaching a layer thickness regulating member, a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.

  Image forming apparatuses such as laser beam printers are already well known. Such an image forming apparatus includes, for example, a photoconductor for carrying a latent image and a developing device for developing the latent image carried on the photoconductor by a developer, and from an external device such as a host computer. When an image signal or the like is transmitted, the developing device is positioned at a developing position facing the photosensitive member, and the latent image carried on the photosensitive member is developed with the developer in the developing device to form a developer image. The developer image is transferred to a medium, and finally an image is formed on the medium.

  In order to realize the above-described function of developing the latent image carried on the photosensitive member, the developing device described above is in contact with the developer carrying member for carrying the developer and the developer carrying member. And a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member. Such a developing device develops the latent image carried on the photosensitive member by a developer carried on the developing roller and having a layer thickness regulated by a layer thickness regulating member.

  By the way, from the viewpoints of resource saving, environmental protection, cost reduction, and the like, the developing device is generally reused. When the developer in the developing device runs out due to the use of the developing device, the developing device is collected by a supplier of the developing device. Then, the developer is refilled (refilled) by the supplier or the like, and the developing device is regenerated.

In such a case, the layer thickness regulating member may be replaced with the refilling of the developer. Regarding the layer thickness regulating member, the contact member that abuts against the developer carrier is worn by using the developing device, so that the layer thickness regulating member is checked after the wear state of the layer thickness regulating member is checked. Replace as appropriate. That is, when the wear is significant, the worn layer thickness regulating member is removed and a new layer thickness regulating member is reattached.
JP 2003-270934 A

  Reinstalling the layer thickness regulating member, considering that the layer thickness regulating member is once attached to the developing device when the developing device is manufactured as a new developing device (that is, not as a reused developing device) In this case, it was requested that the mounting method be further simplified.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to reattach the layer thickness regulating member to the developing device by a simple method.

  The main aspect of the present invention is a developing device provided with a layer thickness regulating member that abuts the developer carrying member at a contact portion and regulates the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member. , Removing the layer thickness regulating member, and information recorded in the developing device, the information indicating the length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion, Adjusting the length of the layer thickness regulating member to be reattached to the developing device; and reattaching the layer thickness regulating member having the adjusted length to the developing device. It is the reattachment method of the layer thickness control member characterized.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

From the developing device provided with a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body by contacting the developer carrying body at the contact portion, the layer thickness regulation Reattachment to the developing device based on the step of removing the member and information recorded in the developing device, the information indicating the length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion Adjusting the length of the layer thickness regulating member, and reattaching the layer thickness regulating member having the adjusted length to the developing device. How to reattach the regulating member.
According to the method for reattaching the layer thickness regulating member, the layer thickness regulating member can be reattached to the developing device by a simpler method.

The layer thickness regulating member includes a contact member that contacts the developer carrier and a support member that supports the contact member at one end thereof, and is recorded in the developing device. Information indicating the distance from the reference position to the other end of the support member in the direction from the contact member toward the developer carrier. Adjusting the distance of the layer thickness regulating member, and reattaching the layer thickness regulating member to the developing device. In the step of adjusting the distance and the length, The member may be reattached to the developing device.
According to such a method for reattaching the layer thickness regulating member, the layer thickness regulating member can be reattached to the developing device by an even simpler method.

Further, in the step of adjusting the distance, the layer thickness regulation to be reattached to the developing device based on information recorded in the developing device and indicating the thickness of the contact member. The distance of the member may be adjusted.
According to such a method for reattaching the layer thickness regulating member, the layer thickness regulating member can be reattached to the developing device by an even simpler method.

The information may be recorded in a storage element provided in the developing device.
In such a case, it is more desirable in that the developing device does not need to be stained.

A layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member by contacting the developer carrying member at the contact portion; Based on the step of removing the thickness regulating member and the information recorded in the developing device and indicating the length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion, Adjusting the length of the layer thickness regulating member to be reattached, and reattaching the layer thickness regulating member having the adjusted length to the developing device. The restricting member includes a contact member that contacts the developer carrying member and a support member that supports the contact member at one end thereof, and is information recorded in the developing device. , In a direction from the contact member toward the developer carrier, Adjusting the distance of the layer thickness regulating member to be reattached to the developing device based on information indicating a distance from the quasi-position to the other end of the support member, and the layer In the step of reattaching the thickness regulating member to the developing device, the layer thickness regulating member adjusted in the distance and the length is reinstalled in the developing device, and in the step of adjusting the distance, the developing Adjusting the distance of the layer thickness regulating member to be reattached to the developing device based on the information recorded in the apparatus, the information indicating the thickness of the contact member, A method for reattaching the layer thickness regulating member, which is recorded in a storage element provided in the developing device, can also be realized.
In this way, the effects of the present invention can be achieved more effectively because all the effects described above can be achieved.

Next, a developer carrying member for carrying the developer, and a layer for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member by contacting the developer carrying member at a contact portion A developing device comprising: a thickness regulating member; and information indicating a length from a tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion.
In such a case, the layer thickness regulating member can be reattached to the developing device by a simpler method.

The layer thickness regulating member includes a contact member that contacts the developer carrier, and a support member that supports the contact member at one end thereof. It is good also as having the information which shows the distance from the reference position to the other end part of the said supporting member in the direction which goes to the said developer carrier from a contact member.
In such a case, the layer thickness regulating member can be reattached to the developing device by an even simpler method.

Moreover, it is good also as having the information which shows the thickness of the said contact member.
In such a case, the layer thickness regulating member can be reattached to the developing device by an even simpler method.

The information may be recorded in a storage element provided in the developing device.
In such a case, it is more desirable in that the developing device does not need to be stained.

A developer carrying member for carrying the developer; and a layer thickness for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member by contacting the developer carrying member at a contact portion. A regulating member, and information indicating a length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the abutting portion, and the layer thickness regulating member comprises a contact member that abuts the developer carrier, A support member for supporting the abutting member at one end thereof, and the developing device has the other end of the support member from a reference position in a direction from the abutting member toward the developer carrying member. Development information, and information indicating a thickness of the contact member, and the information is recorded in a storage element provided in the developing device. An apparatus is also feasible.
In this way, the effects of the present invention can be achieved more effectively because all the effects described above can be achieved.

A developer carrying member for carrying the developer; and a layer thickness for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member by contacting the developer carrying member at a contact portion. An image forming apparatus comprising a regulating member and a developing device having information indicating the length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion can be realized.
In such a case, the layer thickness regulating member can be reattached to the developing device provided in the image forming apparatus by a simpler method.

A computer and an image forming apparatus connectable to the computer, the developer carrying member for carrying the developer, and the developer carrying member contacting the developer carrying member at a contact portion A developing device comprising: a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the body; and information indicating a length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus can also be realized.
In such a case, the layer thickness regulating member can be reattached to the developing device provided in the image forming system by a simpler method.

=== Example of Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus ===
Next, an outline of a laser beam printer (hereinafter also referred to as a printer) 10 as an example of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting the printer 10. In FIG. 1, the vertical direction is indicated by arrows. For example, the paper feed tray 92 is disposed at the lower part of the printer 10, and the fixing unit 90 is disposed at the upper part of the printer 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes a charging unit 30, an exposure unit 40, a YMCK developing unit 50, a primary transfer unit 60, an intermediate transfer body 70, along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 20. A cleaning unit 75, and further, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a display unit 95 configured as a liquid crystal panel as a means for notifying a user, and a control for controlling these units and the like and controlling the operation as a printer. A unit 100 is included.

  The photoreceptor 20 has a cylindrical conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable around a central axis. In the present embodiment, the photoreceptor 20 is indicated by an arrow in FIG. Rotate clockwise.

  The charging unit 30 is a device for charging the photoconductor 20, and the exposure unit 40 is a device for forming a latent image on the photoconductor 20 charged by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40 includes a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like, and charges the modulated laser based on an image signal input from a host computer (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor. The irradiated photoconductor 20 is irradiated.

  The YMCK developing unit 50 converts the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 into toner T as an example of a developer accommodated in the developing device, that is, black (K) toner, magenta accommodated in the black developing device 51. An apparatus for developing using magenta (M) toner contained in the developing device 52, cyan (C) toner contained in the cyan developing device 53, and yellow (Y) toner contained in the yellow developing device 54 It is.

  The YMCK developing unit 50 can move the positions of the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 by rotating with the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 mounted. Yes. That is, the YMCK developing unit 50 holds the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 by four holding portions 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, and the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 is rotatable around the central axis 50a while maintaining the relative position thereof. Each time image formation for one page is completed, it is selectively opposed to the photoconductor 20 and is formed on the photoconductor 20 with the toner T contained in each developing device 51, 52, 53, 54. The latent images are sequentially developed. Each of the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 described above is detachable from the holding portion of the YMCK developing unit 50. Details of each developing device will be described later.

The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring a single color toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 to the intermediate transfer body 70. When four color toners are sequentially transferred in a superimposed manner, the full color toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70. An image is formed.
The intermediate transfer body 70 is an endless belt in which an aluminum vapor deposition layer is provided on the surface of a PET film and a semiconductive paint is formed on the surface layer and laminated. The intermediate transfer body 70 is driven to rotate at substantially the same peripheral speed as the photoconductor 20.
The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring a single color toner image or a full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 to a medium such as paper, film, or cloth.
The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing a single-color toner image or a full-color toner image transferred onto a medium to form a permanent image.

The cleaning unit 75 is provided between the primary transfer unit 60 and the charging unit 30, and has a rubber cleaning blade 76 that is in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 20, and is mounted on the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. After the toner image is transferred, the toner T remaining on the photoconductor 20 is scraped off and removed by the cleaning blade 76.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102. An image signal and a control signal are input to the main controller 101, and in response to a command based on the image signal and the control signal. A unit controller 102 controls each of the units and forms an image.

Next, the operation of the printer 10 configured as described above will be described.
First, when an image signal and a control signal from a host computer (not shown) are input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. Under the control, the photosensitive member 20, the developing roller as an example of the developer carrying member, and the intermediate transfer member 70 are rotated. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.

  The charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches an exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and a latent image corresponding to image information of the first color, for example, yellow Y, is formed in the area by the exposure unit 40. . In the YMCK developing unit 50, a yellow developing device 54 that contains yellow (Y) toner is located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the development position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed with yellow toner by the yellow developing device 54. As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 20.
The yellow toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner T is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. During this time, the photosensitive member 20 and the intermediate transfer member 70 are in contact with each other, and the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer member 70.

  The above processing is sequentially executed for each developing device for the second color, the third color, and the fourth color, so that four color toner images corresponding to the respective image signals are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 70. It is transcribed and superimposed. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70.

  The full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer body 70 rotates, and is transferred to the medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The medium is conveyed from the paper feed tray 92 to the secondary transfer unit 80 via the paper feed roller 94 and the registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied.

  The full color toner image transferred to the medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the medium.

  On the other hand, after the primary transfer position has passed, the photosensitive member 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the cleaning unit 75 and the toner T adhering to the surface thereof is charged to form the next latent image. Prepare for. The toner T thus scraped off is collected by a residual toner collecting unit provided in the cleaning unit 75.

=== Overview of Control Unit ===
Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 101 of the control unit 100 is electrically connected to a host computer via an interface 112 and includes an image memory 113 for storing an image signal input from the host computer. The unit controller 102 is electrically connected to each unit (charging unit 30, exposure unit 40, YMCK developing unit 50, primary transfer unit 60, cleaning unit 75, secondary transfer unit 80, fixing unit 90, display unit 95) of the apparatus main body. Each unit is controlled based on a signal input from the main controller 101 while detecting a state of each unit by receiving a signal from a sensor included in them.

  The CPU 120 included in the unit controller 102 is electrically connected to a nonvolatile storage element such as an EEPROM (hereinafter referred to as a main body side memory 122) via a serial interface (I / F) 121. The CPU 120 is electrically connected not only to the main body side memory 122 but also to developing device side memories 51 a, 52 a, 53 a, and 54 a provided in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 via the serial interface 121. It is connected to the.

 As a result, the main body side memory 122 and the developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a can communicate with each other. That is, the information recorded in the main body side memory 122 is transferred to the developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and the main information of the information recorded in the developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a is stored. Transfer to the side memory 122 is realized.

 The electrical connection between the developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a and the CPU 120 (serial interface 121) is such that when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are mounted on the YMCK developing unit 50, And the information transfer line on the main body side may be connected to each other, or may be realized wirelessly.

=== Configuration Example of Developing Device ===
Next, a configuration example of the developing device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the developing device. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing main components of the developing device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the regulating blade 560. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the holder 526. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper seal member 520, the regulating blade 560, and the developing roller 510 are assembled to the holder 526. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the holder 526 is attached to the housing 540. Note that the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 represents a cross-section obtained by cutting the developing device along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction shown in FIG. 4, the vertical direction is indicated by arrows as in FIG. 1. For example, the central axis of the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, in FIG. 4, the yellow developing device 54 is shown in a state where the yellow developing device 54 is located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

  The YMCK developing unit 50 includes a black developing device 51 containing black (K) toner, a magenta developing device 52 containing magenta (M) toner, a cyan developing device 53 containing cyan (C) toner, and a yellow ( Y) Although a yellow developing device 54 containing toner is provided, the configuration of each developing device is the same, so the yellow developing device 54 will be described below.

  The yellow developing device 54 includes a developing roller 510, an upper seal member 520, a toner container 530, a housing 540, a toner supply roller 550, a regulating blade 560 as an example of a layer thickness regulating member, a holder 526, and a developing device side memory 54a (see FIG. 2), etc.

  The developing roller 510 carries the toner T and conveys it to a developing position facing the photoconductor 20. The developing roller 510 is made of an aluminum alloy such as 5056 aluminum alloy or 6063 aluminum alloy, an iron alloy such as STKM, or the like, and is subjected to nickel plating, chrome plating, or the like as necessary.

  The developing roller 510 has a shaft portion 510a and a large-diameter portion 510b, and the shaft portion 510a is supported through a bearing 576 by a developing roller support portion 526b of a holder 526 described later (FIG. 7). The developing roller 510 is rotatably supported. As shown in FIG. 4, the developing roller 510 rotates in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 4) opposite to the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 (clockwise in FIG. 4). The central axis is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20.

  Further, a gap exists between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20 in a state where the yellow developing device 54 faces the photoconductor 20. That is, the yellow developing device 54 develops the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 in a non-contact state. When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, an alternating electric field is formed between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20.

  The housing 540 is manufactured by welding a plurality of integrally formed resin housing parts, that is, the upper housing part 542 and the lower housing part 544, and in order to accommodate the toner T therein. The toner container 530 is formed. The toner containing body 530 has two toner containing portions, that is, a first toner containing portion 530a and a second toner, by a partition wall 545 for dividing the toner T projected inwardly (in the vertical direction in FIG. 4) from the inner wall. It is divided into a housing portion 530b. The upper portions of the first toner storage portion 530a and the second toner storage portion 530b communicate with each other, and the movement of the toner T is restricted by the partition wall 545 in the state shown in FIG. However, when the YMCK developing unit 50 rotates, the toner accommodated in the first toner accommodating portion 530a and the second toner accommodating portion 530b is once collected on the upper communicating side of the developing position. When returning to the state shown in FIG. 4, the toners are mixed and returned to the first toner storage portion 530a and the second toner storage portion 530b. That is, when the YMCK developing unit 50 rotates, the toner T in the developing device is appropriately agitated.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the toner container 530 is not provided with a stirring member, but a stirring member for stirring the toner T stored in the toner container 530 may be provided. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 540 (that is, the first toner storage portion 530 a) has an opening 572 in the lower portion, and the developing roller 510 is provided so as to face the opening 572.

  The toner supply roller 550 is provided in the first toner storage portion 530a described above, supplies the toner T stored in the first toner storage portion 530a to the development roller 510, and remains on the development roller 510 after development. The toner T is peeled off from the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like, and is in contact with the developing roller 510 in an elastically deformed state. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the first toner storage portion 530a, and the toner T stored in the first toner storage portion 530a is transferred by the toner supply roller 550 below the first toner storage portion 530a. Supplied to the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is rotatable about a central axis, and the central axis is below the rotation central axis of the developing roller 510. Further, the toner supply roller 550 rotates in a direction (clockwise in FIG. 4) opposite to the rotation direction of the developing roller 510 (counterclockwise in FIG. 4).

  The upper seal member 520 is in contact with the developing roller 510 along the axial direction thereof, and allows the toner T remaining on the developing roller 510 after passing through the developing position to move into the housing 540 and the housing. The movement of the toner T in the 540 to the outside of the housing 540 is restricted. The upper seal member 520 is a seal made of a polyethylene film or the like. The upper seal member 520 is supported by an upper seal support portion 526a of a holder 526, which will be described later, and is provided such that its longitudinal direction is along the axial direction of the developing roller 510 (FIG. 7). The contact position where the upper seal member 520 contacts the developing roller 510 is above the central axis of the developing roller 510.

  Further, between the surface of the upper seal member 520 opposite to the contact surface 520b that contacts the developing roller 510 (this surface is also referred to as the opposite surface 520c) and the upper seal support portion 526a, An upper seal urging member 524 made of an elastic body such as malt plain is provided in a compressed state. The upper seal biasing member 524 presses the upper seal member 520 against the developing roller 510 by biasing the upper seal member 520 toward the developing roller 510 with the biasing force.

The regulating blade 560 abuts against the developing roller 510 at the abutting portion 562a along the axial direction thereof, regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510, and is carried on the developing roller 510. Charge is applied to the toner T. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the regulation blade 560 includes a rubber portion 562 as an example of a contact member and a rubber support portion 564 as an example of a support member.
The rubber part 562 is made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber, or the like, and is in contact with the developing roller 510.

The rubber support portion 564 includes a thin plate 564a and a thin plate support portion 564b, and supports the rubber portion 562 at one end portion 564d in the short direction (that is, the end portion on the thin plate 564a side). The thin plate 564a is made of phosphor bronze, stainless steel or the like and has a spring property. The thin plate 564a supports the rubber portion 562 and presses the rubber portion 562 against the developing roller 510 by the biasing force. The thin plate support portion 564b is a metal sheet metal disposed at the other end 564e in the short direction of the rubber support portion 564, and the thin plate support portion 564b is a side of the thin plate 564a that supports the rubber portion 562. It is attached to the said thin plate 564a in the state which supported the edge on the opposite side.
The regulating blade 560 is attached to the regulating blade support portion 526c in a state where both longitudinal end portions 564c of the thin plate supporting portion 564b are supported by the regulating blade support portion 526c of the holder 526 described later.

  The end of the regulating blade 560 opposite to the thin plate support portion 564b side, that is, the tip 560a is not in contact with the developing roller 510, and is a portion separated from the tip 560a by a predetermined distance (that is, the contact portion 562a). ) Is in contact with the developing roller 510 with a width. That is, the regulating blade 560 is not in contact with the developing roller 510 at the edge, but is in contact with the belly. Further, the regulating blade 560 is disposed so that its tip 560a faces the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, and is in contact with a so-called counter. The contact position where the regulating blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the developing roller 510 and below the central axis of the toner supply roller 550. Further, the regulation blade 560 exhibits a function of preventing leakage of the toner T from the toner container 530 by contacting the developing roller 510 along the axial direction thereof.

 Further, an end seal 574 (FIG. 7) is provided on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the rubber portion 562 of the regulating blade 560. The end seal 574 is formed of a non-woven fabric and abuts along the circumferential direction of the developing roller 510 at the axial end of the developing roller 510, and from between the peripheral surface and the housing 540. The function of preventing the leakage of the toner T is exhibited.

  The holder 526 is a metal member for assembling various members such as the developing roller 510, and as shown in FIG. 6, the upper seal support portion along the longitudinal direction (that is, the axial direction of the developing roller 510). 526a, a developing roller support portion 526b provided outside the upper seal support portion 526a in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction), intersecting the longitudinal direction (the axial direction), and intersecting the developing roller support portion, A regulating blade support portion 526c facing the longitudinal end of the upper seal support portion 526a.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the upper seal member 520 is supported by the upper seal support portion 526a at the short-side end portion 520a (FIG. 4), and the developing roller 510 is in the axial direction. The end portion 510c is supported by the developing roller support portion 526b.

 Further, the regulating blade 560 is supported by the regulating blade support portion 526c at both longitudinal end portions 564c thereof. The restriction blade 560 is fixed to the holder 526 by being screwed to the restriction blade support portion 526c. In order to adjust the position of the regulating blade 560 relative to the holder 526, one or more spacers 570 (FIG. 10) are provided between the longitudinal end portions 564c and the regulating blade support portion 526c as necessary. Is provided.

 As described above, the holder 526 in which the upper seal member 520, the developing roller 510, and the regulating blade 560 are assembled prevents leakage of the toner T from between the holder 526 and the housing 540 as shown in FIG. It is attached to the housing 540 described above via a housing seal 546 (FIG. 4) for prevention.

  In the yellow developing device 54 configured as described above, the toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T stored in the toner container 530 to the developing roller 510. The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the contact position of the regulating blade 560 as the developing roller 510 rotates, and the layer thickness is regulated and electric charge is applied when passing through the contact position. Is done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 to which the layer thickness is regulated and the electric charge is applied reaches the developing position facing the photosensitive member 20 by further rotation of the developing roller 510, and the photosensitive member is subjected to an alternating electric field at the developing position. The latent image formed on 20 is subjected to development. The toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position by further rotation of the developing roller 510 passes through the upper seal member 520 and is collected in the developing device without being scraped off by the upper seal member 520. Further, the toner T still remaining on the developing roller 510 can be peeled off by the toner supply roller 550.

 The yellow developing device 54 further includes the developing device-side memory 54a (FIG. 2). The developing device side memory 54a is a non-volatile storage element such as an EEPROM capable of recording various information. The developing device side memory 54a has a storage area for recording the various information. In the developing device side memory 54a according to the present embodiment, the information includes ID information of the yellow developing device 54, manufacturing date information, destination information, manufacturing line information, compatible model name, remaining toner information, Restricted blade related information and the like to be described in detail are recorded in the storage area.

=== Remounting Method of Restricting Blade 560 ===
As described in the background section, the development device is generally reused from the viewpoints of resource saving, environmental protection, cost reduction, and the like. When the toner in the developing device runs out due to the use of the developing device, the developing device is collected by a supplier of the developing device. Then, the toner is refilled (refilled) by the supplier and the developing device is regenerated.

 In such a case, the regulation blade may be replaced with the refilling of the toner. As for the regulation blade, the rubber part described above is worn by using the developing device. Therefore, after the wear state of the regulation blade is checked, the regulation blade is appropriately replaced. That is, if the wear is significant, the worn regulating blade is removed and a new regulating blade is reinstalled.

 Here, in order to reuse the developing device, the regulating blade 560 is removed from the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 (more specifically, the above-mentioned holder 526), and a new regulating blade 560 is re-used. A method of attaching will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for reattaching the regulating blade 560. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a procedure for adjusting the attachment position of the regulating blade 560. In the following description, among the black developing device 51, the magenta developing device 52, the cyan developing device 53, and the yellow developing device 54, the yellow developing device 54 will be described as an example.

 First, the restriction blade 560 is removed from the yellow developing device 54 provided with the restriction blade 560 (step S2). In such a case, the following procedure is performed to facilitate the removal of the regulating blade 560. That is, first, the yellow developing device 54 is disassembled into the holder 526 to which the regulating blade 560 and the developing roller 510 are attached, and the housing 540. Next, the developing roller 510 is removed from the holder 526. Then, the regulating blade 560 is removed from the holder 526 from which the developing roller 510 has been removed.

 Next, a procedure for attaching a new regulating blade 560 (ie, the regulating blade 560 shown in FIG. 5) to the holder 526 from which the regulating blade 560 has been removed (ie, the holder 526 shown in FIG. 6) is performed. Before the attachment, the attachment position of the new restriction blade 560 with respect to the holder 526 is adjusted. As the adjustment of the attachment position, two types of adjustment, that is, adjustment of the length from the tip 560a of the regulating blade 560 to the contact portion 562a (hereinafter, this length is also referred to as a protruding amount) and the rubber Adjustment of the distance from the reference position to the other end 564e in the short direction of the rubber support portion 564 in the direction from the portion 562 to the developing roller 510 is performed.

 Note that, when the adjustment is performed, the above-described regulation blade related information recorded in the developing device side memory 54a of the yellow developing device 54 is used. The restriction blade related information is, for example, information regarding the restriction blade 560 provided in the yellow developing device 54 (that is, the restriction blade 560 removed in step S2), and the yellow developing device 54 is a new developing device. When manufactured (that is, not as a reused developing device), it is recorded in a predetermined storage area of the developing device side memory 54a by the manufacturer. In the present embodiment, as the regulation blade related information, information indicating the protrusion amount, information indicating the distance, and information indicating the thickness of the rubber part 562 are recorded in the developing device side memory 54a. Yes.

 Hereinafter, the adjustment of the attachment position of the restriction blade 560 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.

 First, in a direction from the rubber portion 562 toward the developing roller 510 (the direction is indicated by a symbol X in FIG. 10) from a reference position (the position is indicated by a symbol B in FIG. 10), a rubber support portion 564 is provided. The distance h to the other end 564e in the short direction is adjusted (step S4). At this time, the distance h of the regulating blade to be reattached to the yellow developing device 54 is adjusted based on the information indicating the distance ho and the information indicating the thickness to recorded in the developing device side memory 54a. The That is, when the thickness t of the regulation blade 560 to be reattached is equal to the thickness to, the regulation blade 560 is attached so that the distance h becomes the distance ho recorded in the developing device side memory 54a. Adjust the position. On the other hand, when the thickness t of the regulating blade 560 to be reattached is larger (smaller) than the thickness to, the difference Δt is calculated, and the distance h is recorded in the developing device side memory 54a. The attachment position of the regulating blade 560 is adjusted so that the value is larger (smaller) by Δt than the distance ho.

 The adjustment position of the regulation blade 560 is adjusted by inserting a spacer 570 between the longitudinal end portions 564c of the regulation blade 560 and the regulation blade support portion 526c of the holder 526. That is, here, the height of the regulating blade 560 relative to the holder 526 is adjusted.

 The reference position may be any position. In the present embodiment, the reference position is a position corresponding to the center of the hole in which the bearing 576 is fitted in the developing roller support portion 526b (the position indicated by the symbol B in FIG. 10). The uppermost portion of the regulating blade support portion 526c (the position indicated by the symbol B ′ in FIG. 10) may be used.

 Next, the amount of protrusion is adjusted (step S6). As shown in FIG. 10, in order to adjust the protrusion amount, the attachment position of the regulating blade 560 is adjusted in the direction intersecting the direction X described above (the direction is indicated by a symbol Y in FIG. 10). The Then, as in step S4, in this case, the amount of protrusion of the regulating blade 560 to be reattached to the yellow developing device 54 is adjusted based on information indicating the amount of protrusion recorded in the developing device side memory 54a. . In the present embodiment, as an example of information indicating the protrusion amount, a distance lo from the reference position B in the direction Y to the tip 560a of the regulating blade 560 is recorded in the developing device side memory 54a. Then, the mounting position of the new regulating blade 560 is adjusted so that the distance l becomes the distance lo recorded in the developing device side memory 54a.

 In this way, the regulation blade 560 in which the distance h from the reference position B in the direction X to the other end 564e in the short direction of the rubber support portion 564 and the protruding amount of the regulation blade 560 is adjusted is the regulation of the holder 526. By being screwed to the blade support portion 526c, it is finally fixed to the holder 526. Then, the developing roller 510 is attached to the holder 526 to which the new restriction blade 560 is fixed, and the holder 526 to which the development roller 510 is attached is attached to the housing 540, whereby the reattachment of the restriction blade 560 is completed (step S8). ).

 As described above, in the remounting method of the regulating blade 560 according to the present embodiment, the developing device is based on the information recorded in the developing device and indicating the protrusion amount of the regulating blade 560. Since there is a step of adjusting the protruding amount of the regulating blade 560 to be reattached, the reattaching method of the regulating blade 560 is further simplified. That is, when adjusting the protrusion amount of the regulating blade 560, the information indicating the protrusion amount recorded in the developing device is used to make the developing device a new developing device (that is, as a reused developing device). (Instead of attaching the regulating blade 560 to the developing device at the time of manufacture), the regulating blade 560 can be attached more easily.

 Furthermore, in the method of reattaching the regulating blade 560 according to the present embodiment, the information recorded in the developing device is the information of the rubber support portion 564 from the reference position in the direction from the rubber portion 562 to the developing roller 510. Adjusting the distance of the regulating blade 560 to be reattached to the developing device based on the information indicating the distance to the other end 564e in the short direction and the information indicating the thickness of the rubber part 562. Therefore, the method for reattaching the regulation blade 560 is further simplified.

=== Other Embodiments ===
As described above, the method for reattaching the layer thickness regulating member according to the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, but the above embodiment of the present invention is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention. The invention is not limited. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.

  In the above embodiment, an intermediate transfer type full color laser beam printer has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the intermediate transfer type, such as a full color laser beam printer, a monochrome laser beam printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile. The present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses.

  Also, the photosensitive member is not limited to a so-called photosensitive roller, which is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate, and is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the surface of a belt-shaped conductive substrate. A so-called photosensitive belt may be used.

  Further, in the method of reattaching the regulating blade 560 according to the above embodiment, the information is recorded in the developing device, and is the information of the rubber support portion 564 from the reference position in the direction from the rubber portion 562 to the developing roller 510. Adjusting the distance of the regulating blade 560 to be reattached to the developing device based on the information indicating the distance to the other end 564e in the short direction and the information indicating the thickness of the rubber part 562. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the distance may be adjusted based on only the information indicating the distance without using the information indicating the thickness of the rubber part 562.

  For example, when the rubber part 562 can be manufactured with high accuracy, the above-described thickness t is likely to be equal to the thickness to recorded in the developing device side memory 54a. Therefore, in such a case, if the distance is adjusted based on only the information indicating the distance without using the information indicating the thickness of the rubber portion 562, the accuracy related to the position adjustment of the regulating blade 560 is reduced. Without this, the method of reattaching the regulating blade 560 is further simplified. Of course, in such a case, the developing device does not need to have information indicating the thickness of the rubber portion 562.

  Moreover, it is good also as not having the step which adjusts the said distance of the control blade 560 reattached to a developing device. That is, in the remounting method according to the above embodiment, as the position adjustment of the regulating blade 560, the position adjustment in the X direction shown in step S4 and the position adjustment in the Y direction shown in step S6 are performed. However, only the latter of the two position adjustments may be performed.

  For example, when the rubber portion 562 can be manufactured with high accuracy and the spacer 570 attached to the developing device is reused when the regulating blade 560 is reattached, the distance h and thickness t described above are used. Is likely to be equal to the distance ho and the thickness to recorded in the developing device side memory 54a without performing the position adjustment in the X direction shown in step S4. Therefore, in such a case, if the position adjustment in the X direction shown in step S4 is omitted, the method for reattaching the restriction blade 560 without reducing the accuracy of the position adjustment of the restriction blade 560 is as follows. Simplified. In such a case, of course, in such a case, the information indicating the distance from the reference position to the other end 564e in the short side direction of the rubber support portion 564 in the direction from the rubber portion 562 to the developing roller 510 is indicated. And information indicating the thickness of the rubber part 562 is not necessary.

In the above embodiment, the information is recorded in the developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a provided in the developing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information may be written in the developing device with a writing tool, a stamp, or the like.
However, the above-described embodiment is more preferable in that the developing device does not need to be stained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the method for reattaching the regulation blade 560 has been described by taking the reattachment of the new regulation blade 560 to the developing device as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the regulating blade is removed from the developing device, the wear state of the regulating blade is checked, and when it is determined that the regulating blade needs not be replaced, when the regulating blade is reattached to the developing device, The present invention can be applied.

  In the above embodiment, the method for reattaching the regulating blade 560 has been described with respect to an example in which the regulating blade 560 is reattached to the developing device for the purpose of reusing (reusing) the developing device. It is not something. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where it is necessary to reattach the regulating blade to the developing device when a developing device is newly manufactured.

=== Configuration of Image Forming System etc. ===
Next, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the image forming system. The image forming system 700 includes a computer 702, a display device 704, a printer 706, an input device 708, and a reading device 710. In this embodiment, the computer 702 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited thereto. The display device 704 is generally a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As the printer 706, the printer described above is used. In this embodiment, the input device 708 uses a keyboard 708A and a mouse 708B, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the reading device 710 uses a flexible disk drive device 710A and a CD-ROM drive device 710B. However, the reading device 710 is not limited to this. For example, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device or a DVD (Digital Versatile) is used. Disk) etc. may be used.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. An internal memory 802 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 804 are further provided in a housing in which the computer 702 is housed.

  In the above description, the example in which the printer 706 is connected to the computer 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710 to configure the image forming system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the image forming system may include a computer 702 and a printer 706, and the image forming system may not include any of the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710.

  For example, the printer 706 may have a part of the functions or mechanisms of the computer 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710. As an example, the printer 706 includes an image processing unit that performs image processing, a display unit that performs various displays, a recording medium attachment / detachment unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium that records image data captured by a digital camera or the like. It is good also as a structure to have.

  The image forming system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting the printer. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit of the printer 10 in FIG. 1. It is a conceptual diagram of a developing device. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the image development apparatus. 5 is a perspective view of a restriction blade 560. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a holder 526. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which an upper seal member 520, a regulating blade 560, and a developing roller 510 are assembled to a holder 526. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a holder 526 is attached to a housing 540. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for reattaching the regulating blade 560. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the procedure which adjusts the attachment position of the control blade 560. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming system. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Laser beam printer 20 Photoconductor 30 Charging unit 40 Exposure unit 50 YMCK developing unit 50a Central axis 51 Black developing device 51a Developing device side memory 52 Magenta developing device 52a Developing device side memory 53 Cyan developing device 53a Developing device side memory 54 Yellow developing Device 54a Developing device side memory 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d Holding unit 60 Primary transfer unit 70 Intermediate transfer body 75 Cleaning unit 76 Cleaning blade 80 Secondary transfer unit 90 Fixing unit 92 Paper feed tray 94 Paper feed roller 95 Display unit 96 Registration roller DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Control unit 101 Main controller 102 Unit controller 112 Interface 113 Image memory 120 CPU
121 serial interface 122 main body side memory 510 developing roller 510a shaft portion 510b large diameter portion 510c axial end portion 520 upper seal member 520a short end portion 520b abutting surface 520c opposite surface 524 upper seal biasing member 526 holder 526a upper seal Support portion 526b Developing roller support portion 526c Restriction blade support portion 530 Toner container 530a First toner storage portion 530b Second toner storage portion 540 Housing 542 Upper housing portion 544 Lower housing portion 545 Partition wall 546 Housing seal 550 Toner supply roller 560 Restriction Blade 560a Tip 562 Rubber part 562a Contact part 564 Rubber support part 564a Thin plate 564b Thin plate support part 564c Longitudinal direction both ends 564d Short side direction one end 564e Short side Directional other end portion 570 Spacer 572 Opening 574 End portion seal 576 Bearing 700 Image forming system 702 Computer 704 Display device 706 Printer 708 Input device 708A Keyboard 708B Mouse 710 Reading device 710A Flexible disk drive device 710B CD-ROM drive device 802 Internal memory 804 Hard disk drive unit T Toner

Claims (12)

From the developing device provided with a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body by contacting the developer carrying body at the contact portion, the layer thickness regulation Removing the member;
The layer thickness regulation that is reattached to the developing device based on information recorded in the developing device and indicating the length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion Adjusting the length of the member;
Reattaching the layer thickness regulating member adjusted in length to the developing device;
A method of reattaching a layer thickness regulating member, comprising: In the method of reattaching the layer thickness regulating member according to claim 1,
The layer thickness regulating member has a contact member that contacts the developer carrier, and a support member for supporting the contact member at one end thereof.
Based on the information recorded in the developing device, the information indicating the distance from the reference position to the other end of the support member in the direction from the contact member toward the developer carrier, Adjusting the distance of the layer thickness regulating member to be reattached to the developing device;
Have
In the step of reattaching the layer thickness regulating member to the developing device, the layer thickness regulating member having the distance and the length adjusted is reattached to the developing device. Remounting method. In the method of reattaching the layer thickness regulating member according to claim 2,
In the step of adjusting the distance, the layer thickness regulating member to be reattached to the developing device based on information recorded in the developing device and indicating the thickness of the contact member, The method for reattaching a layer thickness regulating member, wherein the distance is adjusted. In the reattachment method of the layer thickness regulating member according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The method of reattaching a layer thickness regulating member, wherein the information is recorded in a storage element provided in the developing device. From the developing device provided with a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body by contacting the developer carrying body at the contact portion, the layer thickness regulation Removing the member;
The layer thickness regulation that is reattached to the developing device based on information recorded in the developing device and indicating the length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion Adjusting the length of the member;
Reattaching the layer thickness regulating member adjusted in length to the developing device;
Have
The layer thickness regulating member has a contact member that contacts the developer carrier, and a support member for supporting the contact member at one end thereof.
Based on the information recorded in the developing device, the information indicating the distance from the reference position to the other end of the support member in the direction from the contact member toward the developer carrier, Adjusting the distance of the layer thickness regulating member to be reattached to the developing device;
Have
In the step of reattaching the layer thickness regulating member to the developing device, reattaching the layer thickness regulating member having the distance and the length adjusted to the developing device,
In the step of adjusting the distance, the layer thickness regulating member to be reattached to the developing device based on information recorded in the developing device and indicating the thickness of the contact member, Adjusting the distance of
The method of reattaching a layer thickness regulating member, wherein the information is recorded in a storage element provided in the developing device. A developer carrier for carrying the developer;
A layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body by contacting the developer carrying body at a contact portion;
Information indicating the length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion;
A developing device comprising: The developing device according to claim 6,
The layer thickness regulating member has a contact member that contacts the developer carrier, and a support member for supporting the contact member at one end thereof.
The developing device includes:
Information indicating a distance from a reference position to the other end of the support member in a direction from the contact member toward the developer carrier;
A developing device comprising: The developing device according to claim 7,
A developing device having information indicating a thickness of the contact member. The developing device according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The developing apparatus, wherein the information is recorded in a storage element provided in the developing apparatus. A developer carrier for carrying the developer;
A layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying body by contacting the developer carrying body at a contact portion;
Information indicating the length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion;
Have
The layer thickness regulating member includes a contact member that contacts the developer carrier, and a support member that supports the contact member at one end thereof.
The developing device includes:
Information indicating a distance from a reference position to the other end of the support member in a direction from the contact member toward the developer carrier;
Have
Having information indicating the thickness of the contact member;
The developing apparatus, wherein the information is recorded in a storage element provided in the developing apparatus.  A developer carrying member for carrying the developer, and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member by contacting the developer carrying member at a contact portion And a developing device having information indicating a length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion. Computer and
An image forming apparatus connectable to the computer, comprising a developer carrying member for carrying a developer, and a development carried on the developer carrying member in contact with the developer carrying member at a contact portion An image forming apparatus comprising: a developing device having a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the agent; and information indicating a length from the tip of the layer thickness regulating member to the contact portion;
An image forming system.

Images