JP2008203814A5 - - Google Patents
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- JP2008203814A5 JP2008203814A5 JP2007196352A JP2007196352A JP2008203814A5 JP 2008203814 A5 JP2008203814 A5 JP 2008203814A5 JP 2007196352 A JP2007196352 A JP 2007196352A JP 2007196352 A JP2007196352 A JP 2007196352A JP 2008203814 A5 JP2008203814 A5 JP 2008203814A5
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- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims description 33
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000001105 regulatory Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 claims 31
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising Effects 0.000 description 1
Description
上記目的を達成するために、請求項１の発明は、現像剤を表面上に担持して回転し、潜像担持体と対向する箇所で該潜像担持体の表面の潜像にトナーを供給して現像する現像剤担持体と、装置内に現像剤を補給する現像剤補給手段と、該現像剤担持体に現像剤を供給しながら該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って現像剤を搬送する供給搬送部材を備えた供給搬送路と、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側に到達した現像剤を該供給搬送路の搬送方向上流側に搬送する循環搬送部材を備えた循環搬送路とを有する現像装置において、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側の現像剤の嵩が所定の高さを越えた場合に該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側の現像剤の一部を排出する現像剤排出手段を有することを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項２の発明は、請求項１の現像装置において、装置内の現像剤量が増加することで上記循環搬送路内の現像剤量が増加し、該循環搬送路内に時間当りに供給される現像剤量が増加する量に比べて、該循環搬送路から上記供給搬送路へと時間当りに移動する現像剤量の増加する量が少なくなるように構成されていることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項３の発明は、請求項１の現像装置において、装置内の現像剤量が増加することで上記供給搬送路内の現像剤量が増加し、上記供給搬送手段の搬送によって該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側に時間当りに搬送される現像剤量が増加する量に比べて、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側から上記循環搬送路へと時間当りに移動する現像剤量の増加する量が少なくなるように構成されていることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項４の発明は、請求項１、２または３の現像装置において、上記現像剤排出手段は、上記供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側で仕切り壁を挟んで該供給搬送路と隣り合うように配置され、該供給搬送路から排出される現像剤を搬送する排出搬送路と、該排該仕切り壁の所定の高さに該排出搬送路と該供給搬送路とを連通するように設けられた開口である現像剤排出口とを有し、該現像剤排出口の高さまで到達した現像剤を該現像剤排出口から該排出搬送路へ排出することを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項５の発明は、請求項４の現像装置において、上記供給搬送路と上記循環搬送路とは供給循環仕切り壁を挟んで隣り合うように配置され、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側の該供給循環仕切り壁に供給搬送路と該循環搬送路とを連通する開口部として供給循環連通口を設け、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側に到達した現像剤が、該供給循環連通口を通って、該循環搬送路へ移動可能に構成されていることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項６の発明は、請求項５の現像装置において、上記現像剤排出口は上記供給搬送路の現像剤搬送方向について、上記供給循環連通口と同じ位置にあることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項７の発明は、請求項５または６の現像装置において、上記現像剤排出口は上記供給循環連通口よりも上方に配置されていることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項８の発明は、請求項１、２、３、４、５、６または７の現像装置において、上記循環搬送部材は、上記供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端に到達した現像剤を該供給搬送路の搬送方向上流端に搬送し、上記現像剤排出手段は、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端近傍の現像剤の嵩が所定の高さを越えた場合に該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端近傍の現像剤の一部を排出することを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項９の発明は、請求項１、２、３、４、５、６、７または８の現像装置において、上記供給搬送路の現像剤搬送方向最下流端に、上記供給搬送部材とは逆方向の搬送力を発生させる逆搬送部材を備えることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１０の発明は、請求項９の現像装置において、上記供給搬送部材と上記逆搬送部材との境界部に、該供給搬送部材の搬送方向に垂直で、且つ、その法線方向が該供給搬送部材の搬送方向と反対方向となり、現像剤の搬送方向への移動を妨げる下流端壁面を備えることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１１の発明は、請求項１０の現像装置において、上記供給搬送部材及び上記逆搬送部材は、回転軸と該回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより該回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュ及び逆スクリュであり、該供給スクリュよりも該逆スクリュのスクリュピッチを短くしたことを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１２の発明は、請求項１０または１１の現像装置において、上記供給搬送部材及び上記逆搬送部材は、回転軸と該回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより該回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュ及び逆スクリュであり、該供給スクリュよりも該逆スクリュの羽部の外径を小さくしたことを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１３の発明は、請求項１０、１１または１２の現像装置において、上記現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口を供給搬送路に備え、該下流端壁面の上端は該現像剤排出口の下端よりも上方であることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１４の発明は、請求項１０、１１、１２または１３の現像装置において、上記現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口を供給搬送路に備え、上記現像剤排出口の上記供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端である排出口下流端縁部の該供給搬送路の搬送方向についての位置と、上記下流端壁面の該供給搬送路の搬送方向についての位置とが一致することを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１５の発明は、請求項１０、１１、１２、１３または１４の現像装置において、上記現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口を供給搬送路に備え、上記供給搬送部材は、回転軸と該回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより該回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュであり、該現像剤排出口の下端は、該供給スクリュの羽部の上端よりも上方であることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１６の発明は、請求項１、２、３、４、５、６、７、８、９、１０、１１、１２、１３、１４または１５の現像装置において、現像剤として磁性キャリアとトナーとからなるニ成分現像剤を備え、上記潜像担持体と対向する箇所を通過後の上記現像剤担持体上から回収された現像剤を該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って、且つ、上記供給搬送部材と同方向に搬送する回収搬送部材を備えた回収搬送路を有し、上記循環搬送路は、現像に用いられずに該供給搬送路の搬送方向の最下流側まで搬送された現像剤と、該回収搬送路の搬送方向の最下流側まで搬送された現像剤との供給を受け、該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って、且つ、現像剤を攪拌しながら該供給搬送部材とは逆方向に搬送する上記循環搬送部材としての攪拌搬送部材を備え、攪拌後の現像剤を該供給搬送路に供給する攪拌搬送路であり、上記現像剤補給手段は該攪拌搬送路に現像剤を補給することを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１７の発明は、少なくとも潜像担持体と、該潜像担持体表面を帯電させるための帯電手段と、該潜像担持体上に静電潜像を形成するための潜像形成手段と、該静電潜像を現像してトナー像化するための現像手段とを有する画像形成装置において、該現像手段として、請求項１、２、３、４、５、６、７、８、９、１０、１１、１２、１３、１４、１５または１６に記載の現像装置を用いることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１８の発明は、現像剤を表面上に担持して回転し、潜像担持体と対向する箇所で該潜像担持体の表面の潜像にトナーを供給して現像する現像剤担持体と、装置内に現像剤を補給する現像剤補給手段と、該現像剤担持体に現像剤を供給しながら該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って現像剤を搬送する供給搬送部材を備えた供給搬送路と、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側に到達した現像剤を該供給搬送路の搬送方向上流側に搬送する循環搬送部材を備えた循環搬送路とを有する現像装置において、該供給搬送路と該循環搬送路とを含む現像剤搬送路中の現像剤の一部を該現像剤搬送路の外部に排出する現像剤排出口と、該現像剤搬送路中の規制位置を通過する現像剤の量を規制する現像剤搬送量規制手段とを備え、該現像剤搬送量規制手段によって規制され、滞留した現像剤の量が所定量を越えた場合に該現像剤排出口から現像剤が排出されるように、該現像剤排出口を配置することを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１９の発明は、請求項１８の現像装置において、上記循環搬送部材は、上記供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端に到達した現像剤を該供給搬送路の搬送方向上流端に搬送することを特徴とするものである。
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that the developer is carried on the surface and rotated, and the toner is supplied to the latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier at a position facing the latent image carrier. A developer carrier for developing the developer, a developer replenishing means for replenishing the developer in the apparatus, and a developer along the axial direction of the developer carrier while supplying the developer to the developer carrier. A supply conveyance path provided with a supply conveyance member for conveyance; a circulation conveyance path provided with a circulation conveyance member for conveying the developer that has reached the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path to the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path; A developer that discharges a part of the developer on the downstream side in the transport direction of the supply transport path when the bulk of the developer on the downstream side in the transport direction of the supply transport path exceeds a predetermined height. It has a discharge means.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first aspect, the amount of developer in the circulation conveyance path increases as the amount of developer in the apparatus increases, and the amount of developer in the circulation conveyance path increases in time. Compared with the amount in which the amount of developer supplied increases, the amount of the developer that moves from the circulation conveyance path to the supply conveyance path per unit time increases is reduced. To do.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first aspect, the amount of developer in the supply conveyance path increases as the amount of developer in the apparatus increases, and the supply is carried out by the supply conveyance means. relative to the amount of the developer amount is increased to be transported in the transport direction downstream side of the conveying path per time, from the downstream side in the transport direction of the supply conveyance path of the amount of developer moves per hour to the circular path It is characterized in that the amount to be increased is reduced.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first, second, or third aspect, the developer discharging means is adjacent to the supply conveyance path with a partition wall sandwiched downstream in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path. A discharge conveyance path that conveys the developer discharged from the supply conveyance path, and the discharge conveyance path and the supply conveyance path at a predetermined height of the partition wall. And a developer discharge port that is an opening formed therein, and the developer that has reached the height of the developer discharge port is discharged from the developer discharge port to the discharge conveyance path.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the fourth aspect, the supply conveyance path and the circulation conveyance path are arranged adjacent to each other across a supply circulation partition wall, and downstream of the supply conveyance path in the conveyance direction. the feed circulation communication port as an opening that communicates the supply path and the circulation transport path to the supply circulation partition wall side provided, the developer that has reached the downstream side of the supply conveyance path, the feed circulation communicating It is configured to be movable to the circulation conveyance path through the mouth.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device of the fifth aspect, the developer discharge port is located at the same position as the supply circulation communication port in the developer transport direction of the supply transport path. It is.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the developing device of the fifth or sixth aspect, the developer discharge port is disposed above the supply circulation communication port.
The invention of claim 8 is the developing device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the circulating transport member removes the developer that has reached the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path. The developer discharging means conveys to the upstream end in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path, and the developer discharging means is configured to be disposed on the supply conveyance path when the volume of the developer near the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path exceeds a predetermined height. A part of the developer in the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction is discharged.
The invention according to claim 9 is the developing device according to claim 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 or 8 , wherein the supply transport member is provided at the most downstream end in the developer transport direction of the supply transport path. Is provided with a reverse conveying member that generates a conveying force in the reverse direction.
Further, the invention of claim 10 is the developing device according to claim 9 , wherein the normal direction is perpendicular to the transport direction of the supply transport member at the boundary between the supply transport member and the reverse transport member. It has a downstream end wall surface that is opposite to the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance member and prevents the developer from moving in the conveyance direction.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the tenth aspect , the supply conveyance member and the reverse conveyance member include a rotation shaft and a wing portion spirally provided on the rotation shaft, and rotate. Thus, a screw-like supply screw and a reverse screw that convey the developer in the direction of the rotation axis are characterized in that the screw pitch of the reverse screw is shorter than that of the supply screw.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect , the supply conveyance member and the reverse conveyance member each include a rotation shaft and a wing portion spirally provided on the rotation shaft. Thus, a screw-like supply screw and a reverse screw that convey the developer in the direction of the rotation axis are characterized in that the outer diameter of the blade portion of the reverse screw is made smaller than that of the supply screw.
The invention of claim 13 is the developing device according to claim 10 , 11 or 12 , wherein the developer discharging means is provided with a developer discharge port for discharging the passed developer in the supply conveyance path, and the downstream end wall surface thereof. Is characterized in that the upper end thereof is above the lower end of the developer discharge port.
Further, the invention of claim 14 is the developing device of claim 10, 11 , 12 or 13 , wherein the developer discharging means is provided with a developer discharge port for discharging the passed developer in the supply transport path, The position of the downstream end edge of the discharge port, which is the downstream end of the developer discharge port in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path, in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path, and the position of the downstream end wall surface in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path And are in agreement with each other.
Further, the invention of claim 15 is the developing device of claim 10, 11 , 12, 13 or 14 , wherein the developer discharge means is provided with a developer discharge port for discharging the passed developer in the supply conveyance path. The supply conveyance member is a screw-type supply screw that includes a rotation shaft and a wing portion spirally provided on the rotation shaft and conveys the developer in the direction of the rotation shaft by rotating. The lower end of the agent discharge port is above the upper end of the wing portion of the supply screw.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first, second, third , fourth , fifth , sixth , seventh , eighth , ninth , tenth , eleventh , twelve , thirteenth , fourteenth, or fifteenth, a magnetic carrier as a developer. And a developer collected from the developer carrier after passing through a portion facing the latent image carrier along the axial direction of the developer carrier, In addition, a recovery conveyance path having a recovery conveyance member that conveys in the same direction as the supply conveyance member is provided, and the circulation conveyance path is not used for development and is conveyed to the most downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path. The developer and the developer transported to the most downstream side in the transport direction of the collection transport path are supplied, and the developer is stirred along the axial direction of the developer carrier. The agitating and conveying unit as the circulating conveying member that conveys in the direction opposite to the supply conveying member An agitating and conveying path for supplying the developer after stirring to the supply and conveying path, wherein the developer replenishing means replenishes the agitating and conveying path with the developer.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least a latent image carrier, charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and formation of a latent image for forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier. And a developing unit for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, wherein the developing unit is defined as claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 , 9, 10, 11, 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 or 16 is used.
Further, the invention of claim 18 is a developer that rotates by carrying a developer on the surface, and supplies toner to the latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier at a location facing the latent image carrier. A carrier, a developer replenishing means for replenishing the developer in the apparatus, and a supply conveying member that conveys the developer along the axial direction of the developer carrier while supplying the developer to the developer carrier. A developing device having a supply conveyance path and a circulation conveyance path provided with a circulation conveyance member that conveys the developer that has reached the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path to the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path; A developer discharge port for discharging a part of the developer in the developer conveyance path including the supply conveyance path and the circulation conveyance path to the outside of the developer conveyance path; and a restriction position in the developer conveyance path. Developer transport amount regulating means for regulating the amount of developer passing therethrough, and controlling the developer transport amount The developer discharge port is arranged so that the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port when the amount of the developer that has been regulated and stayed exceeds a predetermined amount. .
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the eighteenth aspect, the circulating conveyance member conveys the developer that has reached the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path to the upstream end in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path. It is characterized by this.
上記請求項１乃至１７の現像装置においては、現像剤排出手段が、供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端近傍の現像剤の嵩が所定の高さを越えた場合にその一部を排出するものであるので、供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端近傍に、所定の高さを越えない程度の現像剤が存在する状態で現像装置内の現像量が安定した状態となる。
現像装置内に現像剤補給手段によって現像剤が供給されて現像装置内の現像剤量が増加すると、供給搬送路から循環搬送路に受け渡される現像剤量よりも供給搬送路を搬送されその搬送方向下流端に到達する現像剤量の方が多くなり、供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端近傍に滞留する現像剤の量が増加し嵩が増す。従って、滞留する現像剤が所定の高さを越した場合に、その嵩が所定の高さとなるように滞留する現像剤の一部を現像剤排出手段が排出される。ここで、滞留する現像剤は現像剤が常に移動している箇所の現像剤よりも飛び跳ねにくいので、滞留した箇所の現像剤の嵩は現像装置内の現像剤量の増減に合わせて適正に変化する。よって、現像装置内の現像剤量の必要量を確保することができる。
また、上記請求項１８及び１９の現像装置においては、現像剤排出口が現像剤搬送量規制手段で規制された現像剤が、所定量を超えた場合にその一部を排出するものであるで、規制位置の近傍では所定量を超えない程度の現像剤が存在する状態で現像装置内の現像剤量が安定した状態となる。
現像装置内に現像剤補給手段によって現像剤が供給されて現像装置内の現像剤量が増加すると、規制位置を通過する現像剤量よりも規制位置に到達する現像剤量の方が多くなり、規制位置で滞留する現像剤の量が増加する。従って、滞留する現像剤が所定量を超えた場合に、その現像剤量が所定量となるように滞留する現像剤の一部を現像剤排出口から排出する。ここで、滞留する現像剤は現像剤が常に移動している箇所の現像剤よりも飛び跳ねにくいので、滞留した箇所の現像剤量は現像装置内の現像剤量の増減に合わせて適正に変化する。よって、現像装置内の現像剤量の必要量を確保することができる。
In the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , the developer discharging means discharges a part of the developer when the volume of the developer near the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path exceeds a predetermined height. Therefore, the developing amount in the developing device is stable when there is a developer that does not exceed the predetermined height in the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path.
When the developer is supplied into the developing device by the developer replenishing means and the amount of the developer in the developing device increases, the developer is transported through the supply transport path more than the developer amount delivered from the supply transport path to the circulation transport path. The amount of developer reaching the downstream end in the direction increases, and the amount of developer staying in the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path increases, increasing the bulk. Therefore, when the staying developer exceeds a predetermined height, the developer discharge means discharges a part of the staying developer so that the bulk becomes a predetermined height. Here, the stagnant developer is less likely to jump than the developer where the developer is constantly moving, so the bulk of the developer at the stagnant location changes appropriately according to the increase or decrease in the amount of developer in the developing device. To do. Therefore, a necessary amount of developer in the developing device can be ensured.
Further, in the developing devices of the above-mentioned claims 18 and 19, a part of the developer whose developer discharge port is regulated by the developer transport amount regulating means is discharged when it exceeds a predetermined amount. In the vicinity of the regulation position, the developer amount in the developing device becomes stable in a state where there is a developer that does not exceed the predetermined amount.
When the developer is supplied into the developing device by the developer replenishing means and the amount of developer in the developing device increases, the amount of developer reaching the regulation position is larger than the amount of developer passing through the regulation position, The amount of developer staying at the restriction position increases. Therefore, when the staying developer exceeds a predetermined amount, a part of the staying developer is discharged from the developer discharge port so that the developer amount becomes a predetermined amount. Here, the staying developer is less likely to jump than the developer where the developer is constantly moving, so that the amount of developer at the staying location appropriately changes according to the increase or decrease in the amount of developer in the developing device. . Therefore, a necessary amount of developer in the developing device can be ensured.
請求項１乃至１６の発明によれば、現像剤が飛び跳ねにくい現像剤が滞留する箇所である供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端近傍の現像剤を排出することにより、飛び跳ねた現像剤が排出されることを防止し、現像装置内の現像剤量が増加していないにも関わらず現像剤が排出されることを防止することことができる。このため、現像装置内の現像剤量として必要量を確保することができ、現像剤担持体から潜像担持体に安定した現像剤の供給を行うことができるという優れた効果がある。
また、請求項１８及び１９の発明によれば、現像剤搬送量規制手段によって規制されて滞留し、飛び跳ねにくくなった現像剤を排出することにより、飛び跳ねた現像剤が排出されることを防止し、現像装置内の現像剤量が増加していないにも関わらず現像剤が排出されることを防止することことができる。このため、現像装置内の現像剤量として必要量を確保することができ、現像剤担持体から潜像担持体に安定した現像剤の供給を行うことができるという優れた効果がある。
According to the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention, the developer that has jumped off is discharged by discharging the developer in the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path, where the developer is hard to jump. It is possible to prevent the developer from being discharged even though the amount of the developer in the developing device has not increased. For this reason, a necessary amount can be ensured as the amount of developer in the developing device, and there is an excellent effect that the developer can be stably supplied from the developer carrier to the latent image carrier.
Further, according to the inventions of claims 18 and 19 , by discharging the developer that has been restricted and retained by the developer transport amount regulating means and has become difficult to jump, it is possible to prevent the jumped developer from being discharged. The developer can be prevented from being discharged even though the amount of the developer in the developing device has not increased. For this reason, a necessary amount can be ensured as the amount of developer in the developing device, and there is an excellent effect that the developer can be stably supplied from the developer carrier to the latent image carrier.
以上、本実施形態によれば、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流側の現像剤の嵩が現像剤排出口９４の高さを越えた場合に、現像剤排出口９４の高さまで到達した現像剤を、現像剤排出手段である現像剤排出口９４及び排出搬送路２によって現像装置４の外に排出するものであるので、現像剤排出口９４からの現像剤の排出によって供給搬送路９を搬送する現像剤が不足することを防止することができる。これにより、供給搬送路９から現像ローラ５へ必要量の現像剤を供給することができ、現像ローラ５から感光体１に安定した現像剤の供給を行うことができる。このため、感光体１上の静電潜像を良好にトナー像化することができ、画像抜けなどの異常画像の発生を防止し、良好な画像形成を行うことができる。
また、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流側の現像剤の嵩が現像剤排出口９４の高さを越えた現像剤を排出する構成であれば、現像装置４内の現像剤量が増加しても循環搬送路である攪拌搬送路１０から供給搬送路９へと移動する現像剤量はあまり変化せず、攪拌搬送路１０内の現像剤量が増加することによって、攪拌搬送路１０内で現像剤が滞留して余剰開口部９２を塞いで、供給搬送路９から攪拌搬送路１０への現像剤の移動を妨げる構成であっても現像装置４内の現像量の増加に応じて、現像剤の排出を行うことができる。
また、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流側の現像剤の嵩が現像剤排出口９４の高さを越えた現像剤を排出する構成であれば、現像装置４内の現像剤量が増加すると攪拌搬送路１０から供給搬送路９へと移動する現像剤量が増加し、供給搬送路９から余剰開口部９２を通って攪拌搬送路１０へと移動する現像剤量があまり変化しない構成であっても、現像装置４内の現像量の増加に応じて、現像剤の排出を行うことができる。
また、現像剤排出手段が、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流側で仕切り壁１３５を挟んで供給搬送路９と隣り合うように配置され、供給搬送路９から排出された現像剤を搬送する排出搬送路２と、排出搬送路２と供給搬送路９とを連通するように仕切り壁に設けられた開口である現像剤排出口９４とから構成することにより、簡単な構成で精度よく現像装置４内の現像剤を入れ替えることができる。
また、供給搬送路９と攪拌搬送路１０とは、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流側で供給循環仕切り壁である第一仕切り壁１３３を挟んで隣り合うように配置され、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流側に到達した現像剤は、供給搬送路９と攪拌搬送路１０とを連通するように第一仕切り壁１３３に設けられた開口である供給循環連通口である余剰開口部９２を通って、攪拌搬送路１０へ移動する構成であり、供給スクリュ８によって搬送される現像剤量または余剰開口部９２を時間当りに通過する現像剤量は、現像装置４内の現像剤量の変化によって変わり、現像装置４内の現像剤量が増加すると供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流側の現像剤の嵩が上昇するため、簡単な構成で精度よく現像装置４内の現像剤を入れ替えることができる。
また、現像剤排出口９４と余剰開口部９２とが、供給搬送路９の現像剤搬送方向について同じ位置にあることにより、供給搬送路９から攪拌搬送路１０に受け渡す現像剤量と、現像装置４の外に排出する現像剤量のバランスをとることが容易となる。
また、現像剤排出口９４は余剰開口部９２よりも上方に配置する簡易な構成で、現像剤排出口９４は余剰開口部９２よりも上方に配置するという簡易な構成で、攪拌搬送路１０に供給すべき現像剤量が攪拌搬送路１０に供給されない状態で現像剤が現像装置４の外に排出されることを防止しつつ、現像装置４内の現像剤量が所定量を越えた場合は、装置の外に排出することができる。これにより、余剰開口部９２を介して現像剤を循環させつつ、現像剤排出口９４で増加した分の現像剤を精度良く排出して現像剤を入れ替える構成を実現することができる。
また、供給搬送路９の搬送方向最下流端に、供給搬送部材である供給スクリュ８とは逆方向の搬送力を発生させる逆搬送部材としての逆スクリュ部８ａを備えることにより、供給スクリュ８の回転軸の軸受に現像剤が入り込むことを防止し、軸受の破損を防止することができる。
また、供給搬送部材である供給スクリュ８と逆搬送部材である逆スクリュ部８ａとの境界部に、供給スクリュ８の搬送方向に垂直で、且つ、その法線方向が供給スクリュ８の搬送方向と反対方向となり、現像剤の搬送方向への移動を妨げる下流端壁面３９を備えることにより、下流端壁面３９を伝って現像剤がせり上がるのを補助し、現像剤排出口９４から現像剤を効率良く排出させることができるようになる。さらに、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流端近傍でせり上がった現像剤が所定量の嵩を越えた場合に排出するものであるので、現像装置４内の現像剤量が増加していないにもかかわらず現像剤が排出されることを防止することができる。
また、供給搬送部材及び逆搬送部材は、回転軸と回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュ８及び逆スクリュ部８ａであり、供給スクリュ８よりも逆スクリュ部８ａのスクリュピッチを短くしたことにより、供給スクリュ８と逆スクリュ部８ａとの軸部を受ける軸受部８ｂの損傷を防止することができる。
また、供給搬送部材及び逆搬送部材は、回転軸と回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュ８及び逆スクリュ部８ａであり、供給スクリュ８よりも逆スクリュ部８ａの羽部の外径を小さくしたことにより、下流側端面３９の下端の位置を低くすることができ、より効率よく現像剤をせり上げることができる。
また、現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口９４を供給搬送路９に備え、下流端壁面３９の上端が現像剤排出口９４の下端よりも上方であることによって、現像剤が下流側壁面３９に沿ってせり上がって下流側壁面３９の上端に到達する前に現像剤排出口９４の下端に到達するため、確実に排出させることができる。
また、現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口９４を供給搬送路９に備え、現像剤排出口９４の供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流端である排出口下流端縁部９４ｅの供給搬送路９の搬送方向についての位置と、下流端壁面３９の供給搬送路９の搬送方向についての位置とが一致することにより、現像剤排出口９４の排出口下流端縁部９４ｅでの仕切り壁１３５の厚み分の平面と、下流端壁面３９とを連続した平面として隙間なく形成することができる。このため、下流端壁面３９をせり上がった現像剤はスムーズに現像剤排出口９４を通過することができる。
また、現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口９４を供給搬送路９に備え、供給搬送部材は、回転軸と回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュ８であり、現像剤排出口９４の下端は、供給スクリュ８の羽部の上端よりも上方であることにより、供給スクリュ８が回転することで現像剤が跳ね上がることを防止し、現像装置４内の現像剤量が増加していないにもかかわらず現像剤が排出されることを防止することができる。
また、供給搬送路９、攪拌搬送路１０及び回収搬送路７を備える一方向循環の現像装置４の、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流端に到達する現像剤が滞留する位置で現像剤を排出することにより、プレミックストナーの補給によって増加した分の現像剤を適切に排出することができる。
また、画像形成装置としての複写機の現像手段として、現像装置４を備えることにより、現像剤を入れ替えることで現像手段の寿命を延ばしつつ、画像抜けなどの異常画像の発生を防止し、良好な画像形成を行うことができる。
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the bulk of the developer on the downstream side in the transport direction of the supply transport path 9 exceeds the height of the developer discharge port 94, the developer that has reached the height of the developer discharge port 94. Is discharged to the outside of the developing device 4 by the developer discharge port 94 and the discharge conveyance path 2 which are developer discharge means, and therefore the supply conveyance path 9 is conveyed by discharging the developer from the developer discharge port 94. It is possible to prevent a shortage of developer. Accordingly, a necessary amount of developer can be supplied from the supply conveyance path 9 to the developing roller 5, and the developer can be stably supplied from the developing roller 5 to the photosensitive member 1. For this reason, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 1 can be favorably converted into a toner image, an abnormal image such as image omission can be prevented, and good image formation can be performed.
Further, if the developer is discharged so that the volume of the developer on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path 9 exceeds the height of the developer discharge port 94, the amount of the developer in the developing device 4 increases. However, the amount of the developer moving from the agitating and conveying path 10 to the supply and conveying path 9 is not changed so much, and the developer amount in the agitating and conveying path 10 is increased so that the developing in the agitating and conveying path 10 Even if the developer stays and blocks the excess opening 92 to prevent the developer from moving from the supply conveyance path 9 to the agitation conveyance path 10, the developer is increased according to the increase in the developing amount in the developing device 4. Can be discharged.
Further, if the developer is discharged so that the volume of the developer on the downstream side in the transport direction of the supply transport path 9 exceeds the height of the developer discharge port 94, the developer is stirred when the amount of the developer in the developing device 4 increases. The amount of developer that moves from the conveyance path 10 to the supply conveyance path 9 increases, and the amount of developer that moves from the supply conveyance path 9 to the stirring conveyance path 10 through the surplus opening 92 is not changed so much. In addition, the developer can be discharged as the developing amount in the developing device 4 increases.
In addition, the developer discharge means is disposed adjacent to the supply conveyance path 9 across the partition wall 135 on the downstream side of the supply conveyance path 9 in the conveyance direction, and discharges the developer discharged from the supply conveyance path 9. The developing device 4 is configured with a simple structure and a high accuracy by including the developer discharge port 94 which is an opening provided in the partition wall so as to allow the discharge transport path 2 and the supply transport path 9 to communicate with each other. The developer inside can be replaced.
Further, the supply conveyance path 9 and the agitation conveyance path 10 are arranged adjacent to each other across the first partition wall 133 that is a supply circulation partition wall on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path 9. The developer that has reached the downstream side in the conveyance direction passes through an excess opening 92 that is a supply circulation communication port that is an opening provided in the first partition wall 133 so as to communicate the supply conveyance path 9 and the agitation conveyance path 10. Thus, the amount of developer conveyed by the supply screw 8 or the amount of developer passing through the excess opening 92 per time depends on the change in the amount of developer in the developing device 4. In contrast, when the amount of the developer in the developing device 4 increases, the bulk of the developer on the downstream side in the transport direction of the supply transport path 9 increases, so that the developer in the developing device 4 can be accurately replaced with a simple configuration. .
Further, since the developer discharge port 94 and the surplus opening 92 are at the same position in the developer transport direction of the supply transport path 9, the amount of developer delivered from the supply transport path 9 to the stirring transport path 10, and development It becomes easy to balance the amount of developer discharged out of the apparatus 4.
Further, the developer discharge port 94 has a simple configuration that is disposed above the surplus opening 92, and the developer discharge port 94 is disposed above the surplus opening 92, so that the developer discharge port 94 is disposed in the stirring conveyance path 10. When the developer amount in the developing device 4 exceeds a predetermined amount while preventing the developer from being discharged out of the developing device 4 in a state where the developer amount to be supplied is not supplied to the agitation transport path 10 Can be discharged out of the device. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the developer is circulated through the excess opening 92 and the developer increased by the developer discharge port 94 is accurately discharged and the developer is replaced.
Further, by providing a reverse screw portion 8a as a reverse conveying member that generates a conveying force in a direction opposite to that of the supply screw 8 serving as a supply conveying member at the most downstream end in the conveying direction of the supply conveying path 9, the supply screw 8 It is possible to prevent the developer from entering the bearing of the rotary shaft and to prevent the bearing from being damaged.
Further, the boundary between the supply screw 8 serving as the supply conveyance member and the reverse screw portion 8a serving as the reverse conveyance member is perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the supply screw 8 and the normal direction thereof is the conveyance direction of the supply screw 8. By providing the downstream end wall surface 39 that is in the opposite direction and prevents movement of the developer in the transport direction, the developer is helped to rise up along the downstream end wall surface 39, and the developer is efficiently discharged from the developer discharge port 94. It will be possible to discharge well. Further, since the developer that has risen in the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path 9 exceeds a predetermined amount, the amount of developer in the developing device 4 is not increased. Regardless, the developer can be prevented from being discharged.
The supply conveyance member and the reverse conveyance member include a rotation shaft and a wing portion spirally provided on the rotation shaft, and rotate to rotate the screw-shaped supply screw 8 that conveys the developer in the rotation axis direction. By making the screw pitch of the reverse screw portion 8a shorter than the supply screw 8 in the screw portion 8a, it is possible to prevent damage to the bearing portion 8b that receives the shaft portion of the supply screw 8 and the reverse screw portion 8a.
The supply conveyance member and the reverse conveyance member include a rotation shaft and a wing portion spirally provided on the rotation shaft, and rotate to rotate the screw-shaped supply screw 8 that conveys the developer in the rotation axis direction. Since the outer diameter of the wing portion of the reverse screw portion 8a is smaller than that of the supply screw 8, the position of the lower end of the downstream side end face 39 can be lowered, and the developer is lifted up more efficiently. be able to.
Further, the developer discharge means includes a developer discharge port 94 through which the developer passed therethrough is discharged in the supply conveyance path 9, and the upper end of the downstream end wall surface 39 is above the lower end of the developer discharge port 94. Since the developer rises along the downstream side wall surface 39 and reaches the lower end of the developer discharge port 94 before reaching the upper end of the downstream side wall surface 39, the developer can be reliably discharged.
Further, the developer discharge means includes a developer discharge port 94 through which the developer passed therethrough is discharged in the supply conveyance path 9, and a discharge port downstream edge that is the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path 9 of the developer discharge port 94. When the position of the portion 94e in the transport direction of the supply transport path 9 and the position of the downstream end wall surface 39 in the transport direction of the supply transport path 9 coincide, the downstream end edge portion 94e of the developer discharge port 94 is discharged. The plane of the partition wall 135 corresponding to the thickness and the downstream end wall surface 39 can be formed as a continuous plane without any gap. For this reason, the developer rising up the downstream end wall surface 39 can smoothly pass through the developer discharge port 94.
Further, the developer discharge means includes a developer discharge port 94 through which the developer passed therethrough is discharged in the supply transfer path 9, and the supply transfer member includes a rotation shaft and a wing portion spirally provided on the rotation shaft. , A screw-like supply screw 8 that conveys the developer in the direction of the rotation axis by rotating, and the lower end of the developer discharge port 94 is above the upper end of the wing portion of the supply screw 8. By rotating 8, the developer can be prevented from jumping up, and the developer can be prevented from being discharged even though the amount of the developer in the developing device 4 has not increased.
In addition, the developer is discharged at a position where the developer that reaches the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path 9 of the one-way circulating developing device 4 including the supply transport path 9, the stirring transport path 10, and the recovery transport path 7 is discharged. As a result, the developer increased by the replenishment of the premix toner can be appropriately discharged.
Further, by providing the developing device 4 as the developing means of the copying machine as the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of abnormal images such as missing images while extending the life of the developing means by replacing the developer. Image formation can be performed.
Claims (19)
装置内に現像剤を補給する現像剤補給手段と、
該現像剤担持体に現像剤を供給しながら該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って現像剤を搬送する供給搬送部材を備えた供給搬送路と、
該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側に到達した現像剤を該供給搬送路の搬送方向上流側に搬送する循環搬送部材を備えた循環搬送路とを有する現像装置において、
該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側の現像剤の嵩が所定の高さを越えた場合に該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側の現像剤の一部を排出する現像剤排出手段を有することを特徴とする現像装置。 A developer carrying member that rotates by carrying a developer on the surface, and supplies toner to the latent image on the surface of the latent image carrying member at a position facing the latent image carrying member;
Developer replenishing means for replenishing developer in the apparatus;
A supply conveyance path provided with a supply conveyance member for conveying the developer along the axial direction of the developer carrier while supplying the developer to the developer carrier;
A developing device having a circulation conveyance path provided with a circulation conveyance member that conveys the developer that has reached the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path to the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path;
A developer discharging unit that discharges a part of the developer on the downstream side in the transport direction of the supply transport path when the bulk of the developer on the downstream side in the transport direction of the supply transport path exceeds a predetermined height; A developing device.
装置内の現像剤量が増加することで上記循環搬送路内の現像剤量が増加し、該循環搬送路内に時間当りに供給される現像剤量が増加する量に比べて、該循環搬送路から上記供給搬送路へと時間当りに移動する現像剤量の増加する量が少なくなるように構成されていることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1.
As the developer amount in the apparatus increases, the developer amount in the circulation conveyance path increases, and the circulation conveyance is larger than the amount in which the amount of developer supplied per hour in the circulation conveyance path increases. A developing device characterized in that an increase in the amount of developer that moves from the path to the supply conveyance path per time is reduced.
装置内の現像剤量が増加することで上記供給搬送路内の現像剤量が増加し、上記供給搬送手段の搬送によって該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側に時間当りに搬送される現像剤量が増加する量に比べて、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側から上記循環搬送路へと時間当りに移動する現像剤量の増加する量が少なくなるように構成されていることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1.
Developer amount of the supply conveyance path by the developer amount is increased in the apparatus is increased, the amount of developer conveyed per time at the conveying direction downstream side of the supply conveyance path by the conveying of the feed conveying means Compared with the amount of increase, the amount of developer that moves per hour from the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path to the circulation conveyance path is reduced. Development device.
上記現像剤排出手段は、
上記供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側で仕切り壁を挟んで該供給搬送路と隣り合うように配置され、該供給搬送路から排出される現像剤を搬送する排出搬送路と、
該排該仕切り壁の所定の高さに該排出搬送路と該供給搬送路とを連通するように設けられた開口である現像剤排出口とを有し、
該現像剤排出口の高さまで到達した現像剤を該現像剤排出口から該排出搬送路へ排出することを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1, 2 or 3,
The developer discharging means is
A discharge conveyance path that is disposed adjacent to the supply conveyance path across the partition wall on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path, and conveys the developer discharged from the supply conveyance path;
A developer discharge port which is an opening provided to communicate the discharge conveyance path and the supply conveyance path at a predetermined height of the discharge partition wall;
A developing device that discharges the developer that has reached the height of the developer discharge port from the developer discharge port to the discharge conveyance path.
上記供給搬送路と上記循環搬送路とは供給循環仕切り壁を挟んで隣り合うように配置され、
該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側の該供給循環仕切り壁に供給搬送路と該循環搬送路とを連通する開口部として供給循環連通口を設け、
該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側に到達した現像剤が、該供給循環連通口を通って、該循環搬送路へ移動可能に構成されていることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 4.
The supply conveyance path and the circulation conveyance path are arranged adjacent to each other across the supply circulation partition wall,
A supply circulation communication port is provided as an opening communicating the supply conveyance path and the circulation conveyance path on the supply circulation partition wall on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path,
3. A developing device, wherein the developer that has reached the downstream side of the supply conveyance path in the conveyance direction is configured to be movable to the circulation conveyance path through the supply circulation communication port.
上記現像剤排出口は上記供給搬送路の現像剤搬送方向について、上記供給循環連通口と同じ位置にあることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 5.
The developing device, wherein the developer discharge port is located at the same position as the supply circulation communication port in the developer transport direction of the supply transport path.
上記現像剤排出口は上記供給循環連通口よりも上方に配置されていることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 5 or 6,
The developing device, wherein the developer discharge port is disposed above the supply circulation communication port.
上記循環搬送部材は、上記供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端に到達した現像剤を該供給搬送路の搬送方向上流端に搬送し、The circulating transport member transports the developer that has reached the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path to the upstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path,
上記現像剤排出手段は、該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端近傍の現像剤の嵩が所定の高さを越えた場合に該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端近傍の現像剤の一部を排出することを特徴とする現像装置。The developer discharging means discharges a part of the developer near the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path when the bulk of the developer near the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path exceeds a predetermined height. A developing device.
上記供給搬送路の現像剤搬送方向最下流端に、上記供給搬送部材とは逆方向の搬送力を発生させる逆搬送部材を備えることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 or 8 .
A developing device, comprising: a reverse conveyance member that generates a conveyance force in a direction opposite to the supply conveyance member at a most downstream end in a developer conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path.
上記供給搬送部材と上記逆搬送部材との境界部に、該供給搬送部材の搬送方向に垂直で、且つ、その法線方向が該供給搬送部材の搬送方向と反対方向となり、現像剤の搬送方向への移動を妨げる下流端壁面を備えることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 9 .
At the boundary between the supply conveyance member and the reverse conveyance member, the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance member and the normal direction thereof is opposite to the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance member, and the developer conveyance direction A developing device comprising a downstream end wall surface that hinders movement of the developing device.
上記供給搬送部材及び上記逆搬送部材は、回転軸と該回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより該回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュ及び逆スクリュであり、
該供給スクリュよりも該逆スクリュのスクリュピッチを短くしたことを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 10 .
The supply conveyance member and the reverse conveyance member each include a rotation shaft and a wing portion spirally provided on the rotation shaft, and a screw-shaped supply screw that conveys the developer in the rotation axis direction by rotating. Reverse screw,
A developing device characterized in that the screw pitch of the reverse screw is shorter than that of the supply screw.
上記供給搬送部材及び上記逆搬送部材は、回転軸と該回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより該回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュ及び逆スクリュであり、
該供給スクリュよりも該逆スクリュの羽部の外径を小さくしたことを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 10 or 11 ,
The supply conveyance member and the reverse conveyance member each include a rotation shaft and a wing portion spirally provided on the rotation shaft, and a screw-shaped supply screw that conveys the developer in the rotation axis direction by rotating. Reverse screw,
A developing device characterized in that an outer diameter of a wing portion of the reverse screw is made smaller than that of the supply screw.
上記現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口を供給搬送路に備え、
該下流端壁面の上端は該現像剤排出口の下端よりも上方であることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 10 , 11 or 12 ,
The developer discharging means includes a developer discharge port for discharging the passed developer in the supply conveyance path,
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an upper end of the downstream end wall is above a lower end of the developer discharge port.
上記現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口を供給搬送路に備え、
上記現像剤排出口の上記供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端である排出口下流端縁部の該供給搬送路の搬送方向についての位置と、上記下流端壁面の該供給搬送路の搬送方向についての位置とが一致することを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 10, 11 , 12, or 13 ,
The developer discharging means includes a developer discharge port for discharging the passed developer in the supply conveyance path,
The position of the downstream end edge of the discharge port, which is the downstream end of the developer discharge port in the transport direction of the supply transport path, in the transport direction of the supply transport path, and the transport direction of the supply transport path of the downstream end wall surface A developing device having a matching position.
上記現像剤排出手段は通過した現像剤が排出される現像剤排出口を供給搬送路に備え、
上記供給搬送部材は、回転軸と該回転軸に螺旋状に設けられた羽部とを備え、回転することにより該回転軸方向に現像剤を搬送するスクリュ状の供給スクリュであり、
該現像剤排出口の下端は、該供給スクリュの羽部の上端よりも上方であることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 10, 11 , 12, 13 or 14 ,
The developer discharging means includes a developer discharge port for discharging the passed developer in the supply conveyance path,
The supply conveyance member is a screw-shaped supply screw that includes a rotation shaft and a wing provided spirally on the rotation shaft, and conveys the developer in the rotation shaft direction by rotating,
The developing device, wherein a lower end of the developer discharge port is above an upper end of a wing portion of the supply screw.
現像剤として磁性キャリアとトナーとからなるニ成分現像剤を備え、
上記潜像担持体と対向する箇所を通過後の上記現像剤担持体上から回収された現像剤を該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って、且つ、上記供給搬送部材と同方向に搬送する回収搬送部材を備えた回収搬送路を有し、
上記循環搬送路は、現像に用いられずに該供給搬送路の搬送方向の最下流側まで搬送された現像剤と、該回収搬送路の搬送方向の最下流側まで搬送された現像剤との供給を受け、該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って、且つ、現像剤を攪拌しながら該供給搬送部材とは逆方向に搬送する上記循環搬送部材としての攪拌搬送部材を備え、攪拌後の現像剤を該供給搬送路に供給する攪拌搬送路であり、
上記現像剤補給手段は該攪拌搬送路に現像剤を補給することを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13, 14 or 15 .
A two-component developer comprising a magnetic carrier and a toner is provided as a developer,
The developer recovered from the developer carrier after passing through the portion facing the latent image carrier is transported along the axial direction of the developer carrier and in the same direction as the supply transport member. It has a collection conveyance path with a collection conveyance member,
The circulation conveyance path includes a developer conveyed to the most downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path without being used for development, and a developer conveyed to the most downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recovery conveyance path. A stirring and conveying member serving as the circulation conveying member that receives the supply and conveys the developer in the direction opposite to the supply and conveying member while stirring the developer along the axial direction of the developer carrying member, A stirring conveyance path for supplying the developer to the supply conveyance path;
The developing device, wherein the developer replenishing means replenishes the developer to the agitation transport path.
該潜像担持体表面を帯電させるための帯電手段と、
該潜像担持体上に静電潜像を形成するための潜像形成手段と、
該静電潜像を現像してトナー像化するための現像手段とを有する画像形成装置において、
該現像手段として、請求項１、２、３、４、５、６、７、８、９、１０、１１、１２、１３、１４、１５または１６に記載の現像装置を用いることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 At least a latent image carrier;
Charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier;
Latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier;
In an image forming apparatus having developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image,
The developing device according to claim 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13, 14, 15 or 16 is used as the developing means. Image forming apparatus.
装置内に現像剤を補給する現像剤補給手段と、
該現像剤担持体に現像剤を供給しながら該現像剤担持体の軸線方向に沿って現像剤を搬送する供給搬送部材を備えた供給搬送路と、
該供給搬送路の搬送方向下流側に到達した現像剤を該供給搬送路の搬送方向上流側に搬送する循環搬送部材を備えた循環搬送路とを有する現像装置において、
該供給搬送路と該循環搬送路とを含む現像剤搬送路中の現像剤の一部を該現像剤搬送路の外部に排出する現像剤排出口と、該現像剤搬送路中の規制位置を通過する現像剤の量を規制する現像剤搬送量規制手段とを備え、
該現像剤搬送量規制手段によって規制され、滞留した現像剤の量が所定量を越えた場合に該現像剤排出口から現像剤が排出されるように、該現像剤排出口を配置することを特徴とする現像装置。 A developer carrying member that rotates by carrying a developer on the surface, and supplies toner to the latent image on the surface of the latent image carrying member at a position facing the latent image carrying member;
Developer replenishing means for replenishing developer in the apparatus;
A supply conveyance path provided with a supply conveyance member for conveying the developer along the axial direction of the developer carrier while supplying the developer to the developer carrier;
A developing device having a circulation conveyance path provided with a circulation conveyance member that conveys the developer that has reached the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path to the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path;
A developer discharge port for discharging a part of the developer in the developer conveyance path including the supply conveyance path and the circulation conveyance path to the outside of the developer conveyance path; and a restriction position in the developer conveyance path. A developer transport amount regulating means for regulating the amount of developer passing therethrough,
The developer discharge port is arranged so that the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port when the amount of the retained developer is regulated by the developer conveyance amount regulating means and exceeds a predetermined amount. A developing device.
上記循環搬送部材は、上記供給搬送路の搬送方向下流端に到達した現像剤を該供給搬送路の搬送方向上流端に搬送することを特徴とする現像装置。The developing device, wherein the circulation transport member transports the developer that has reached the downstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path to the upstream end in the transport direction of the supply transport path.
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| JP2007196352A JP5037253B2 (en) | 2007-01-26 | 2007-07-27 | Developing device, image forming apparatus |
| US12/019,984 US8295737B2 (en) | 2007-01-26 | 2008-01-25 | Developing device and image forming apparatus using same |
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| US8036575B2 (en) | 2007-10-19 | 2011-10-11 | Ricoh Company, Limited | Development device, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge having compact structure for discharging developer |
| JP5476870B2 (en) * | 2009-09-02 | 2014-04-23 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, developer replacement method |
| JP5633726B2 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2014-12-03 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developer collection container and image forming apparatus |
| JP5061209B2 (en) * | 2010-03-15 | 2012-10-31 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same |
| JP2012208473A (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2012-10-25 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device, image forming apparatus, image forming method, and process cartridge |
| JP5874668B2 (en) * | 2013-03-26 | 2016-03-02 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Powder conveying device, developing device, image forming device |
| US9581936B2 (en) | 2015-01-30 | 2017-02-28 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Developing device and image forming apparatus including a contact member which is elastically deformed |
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| JPH09114243A (en) * | 1995-10-20 | 1997-05-02 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JPH10228175A (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 1998-08-25 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JPH11167260A (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 1999-06-22 | Toshiba Corp | Developing device |
| JP4289735B2 (en) * | 1999-09-20 | 2009-07-01 | キヤノン株式会社 | Developing device, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge |
| JP2005091914A (en) * | 2003-09-18 | 2005-04-07 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same |
| JP2005099134A (en) * | 2003-09-22 | 2005-04-14 | Canon Inc | Developing device |
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