JP2009031596A5 - - Google Patents
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- JP2009031596A5 JP2009031596A5 JP2007196470A JP2007196470A JP2009031596A5 JP 2009031596 A5 JP2009031596 A5 JP 2009031596A5 JP 2007196470 A JP2007196470 A JP 2007196470A JP 2007196470 A JP2007196470 A JP 2007196470A JP 2009031596 A5 JP2009031596 A5 JP 2009031596A5
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- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000903 blocking Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical 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、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路と、回転軸とらせん状の羽部とからなり、回転軸を中心に回転することにより、該供給搬送路内の現像剤に対して搬送力を付与する供給スクリュと、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路と、該循環搬送路内の現像剤に対して搬送力を付与する循環搬送部材とを有し、通過した現像剤が現像装置の外に排出される排出開口部を該供給搬送路に備える現像装置において、該供給スクリュの回転速度を複数種の設定に制御するスクリュ回転速度制御手段と、該供給スクリュの回転速度に応じて該排出開口部における現像剤を排出する下端部の高さを調節する排出下端高さ調節手段と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、上記循環搬送路は、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。
また、請求項３の発明は、請求項１または２の現像装置において、上記排出下端高さ調節手段は、上記供給スクリュの回転速度に応じて上記排出開口部の位置の高さを調節する開口位置高さ調節手段であることを特徴する現像装置。
また、請求項４の発明は、請求項３の現像装置において、上記供給搬送路を形成するケーシングは上記排出開口部を設ける位置に該排出開口部よりも大きな開口部であるケーシング開口部を備え、遮蔽部材に該排出開口部を設けた形状で、該ケーシング開口部と対向する位置に上下方向に移動可能となるように配置され、該排出開口部と対向する領域以外の該ケーシング開口部を遮蔽する排出開口部材を備え、上記開口位置高さ調節手段として、該排出開口部材を上下方向に移動させる排出開口部材昇降手段と、上記スクリュ回転速度制御手段による供給スクリュの回転速度の設定に基づいて該排出開口部材昇降手段を制御する排出開口部材昇降制御手段とを備え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１または２の現像装置において、上記排出下端高さ調節手段は、上記供給スクリュの回転速度に応じて上記排出開口部の現像剤が通過可能な実質開口幅の下端を調節する実質開口幅下端調節手段であることを特徴する現像装置。
また、請求項６の発明は、請求項５の現像装置において、上記実質開口幅下端調節手段として、上記供給搬送路内の現像剤搬送方向について上記排出開口部と同位置の上記供給スクリュの上記羽部よりも外周側に上記回転軸の軸線を中心に回転可能に配置され、回転することによって該供給スクリュと該排出開口部との間の空間の一部を遮るシャッター部材と、該供給スクリュの回転方向の力を該シャッター部材に伝達するスクリュ回転力伝達手段と、該シャッター部材が該供給スクリュの回転方向とは逆方向に回転するように付勢するシャッター付勢部材とを有し、該スクリュ回転力伝達手段は該供給スクリュの回転速度が速いほど該シャッター部材を供給スクリュの回転方向に回転させる力が強まるものであり、該スクリュ回転力伝達手段の該シャッター部材を回転させる力が該シャッター付勢部材の該シャッター部材を付勢する力よりも大きくなると、該シャッター部材が該供給スクリュの回転方向に回転して該シャッター部材が該排出開口部の下部と該供給スクリュとの間の空間を遮ることで上記実質開口幅を狭め、該スクリュ回転力伝達手段の該シャッター部材を回転させる力が該シャッター付勢部材の該シャッター部材を付勢する力よりも小さくなると、該供給スクリュの回転方向に回転した該シャッター部材が該シャッター付勢部材の付勢により該供給スクリュの回転方向とは逆方向に回転して、該排出開口部の下部と該供給スクリュとの間の空間の該シャッター部材によって遮られた部分を開放することにより該実質開口幅を広め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６の現像装置において、上記スクリュ回転力伝達手段は、上記シャッター部材に設けられツバ部と、上記供給スクリュの回転によって回転して該ツバ部を押圧する現像剤とからなり、該ツバ部は、上記供給スクリュの上記羽部よりも外周側の上記供給搬送路内の現像剤と常に接触する位置に配置され、該供給スクリュが回転することによって回転する現像剤から該供給スクリュの回転方向に押圧され、シャッター部材に該供給スクリュの回転方向の力を伝達す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６の現像装置において、上記スクリュ回転力伝達手段は、上記回転軸の軸線方向について上記シャッター部材の両端に設けられた円筒状のガイド部材と、該ガイド部材の内周面を摺擦する摺擦部材とからなり、該摺擦部材は、上記供給スクリュに付勢部材を介して取り付けられ、該供給スクリュの回転による遠心力によって該供給スクリュの外周方向に飛び出し、その先端が該ガイド部材の内周面に接触して摺擦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、上記排出開口部の下端が上記供給スクリュの上端よりも高い位置となるように上記排出開口部を設けることを特徴とするものである。
また、請求項１０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または９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。
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 carrying member to be developed, a supply carrying path for carrying the developer along the axial direction of the developer carrying member while supplying the developer carrying member, a rotating shaft and a spiral blade A supply screw that applies a conveying force to the developer in the supply conveyance path by rotating around the rotation axis, and a developer that has reached the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path. a circulation transport path for transporting in the conveying direction upstream side of the supply conveyance path, and a circulating conveying member for applying a conveying force to the developer of the circulation transport path, outside of the developer having passed through the developing device In the developing device having a discharge opening for discharging in the supply conveyance path, the supply screw Screw rotation speed control means for controlling the rotation speed to a plurality of settings, and discharge lower end height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the lower end portion for discharging the developer at the discharge opening according to the rotation speed of the supply screw. It is characterized by having.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device of the first aspect, the circulating transport path 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. It is characterized by this.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first or second aspect , the discharge lower end height adjusting means adjusts the height of the position of the discharge opening in accordance with the rotational speed of the supply screw. A developing device which is position height adjusting means.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the third aspect , the casing forming the supply conveyance path includes a casing opening which is an opening larger than the discharge opening at a position where the discharge opening is provided. And a shape in which the discharge opening is provided in the shielding member, and is arranged so as to be movable in a vertical direction to a position facing the casing opening, and the casing opening other than the region facing the discharge opening Based on the setting of the rotation speed of the supply screw by the discharge opening member lifting / lowering means for moving the discharge opening member in the vertical direction as the opening position height adjusting means, and the screw rotation speed control means. And a discharge opening member lifting / lowering control means for controlling the discharge opening member lifting / lowering means.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first or second aspect , the discharge lower end height adjusting means is a substantial opening through which the developer at the discharge opening can pass according to the rotational speed of the supply screw. A developing device which is a substantial opening width lower end adjusting means for adjusting a lower end of the width.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the fifth aspect , as the substantial opening width lower end adjusting means, the supply screw at the same position as the discharge opening in the developer conveyance direction in the supply conveyance path. A shutter member which is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the wing portion so as to be rotatable about the axis of the rotation shaft and which blocks a part of a space between the supply screw and the discharge opening by rotating; and the supply screw A screw rotational force transmitting means for transmitting a force in the rotational direction to the shutter member, and a shutter urging member for urging the shutter member to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the supply screw, The screw rotational force transmitting means is such that the higher the rotational speed of the supply screw, the stronger the force that rotates the shutter member in the rotational direction of the supply screw. When the force for rotating the shutter member becomes larger than the force for urging the shutter member of the shutter urging member, the shutter member rotates in the rotation direction of the supply screw, and the shutter member becomes the discharge opening. The substantial opening width is narrowed by blocking the space between the lower part of the screw and the supply screw, and the force for rotating the shutter member of the screw rotational force transmitting means urges the shutter member of the shutter urging member. When the force is smaller than the force, the shutter member rotated in the rotation direction of the supply screw rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the supply screw by the biasing of the shutter biasing member, and the lower portion of the discharge opening The substantial opening width is widened by opening a portion blocked by the shutter member in a space between the supply screw and the supply screw.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the developing device of the sixth aspect , the screw rotational force transmitting means is rotated by rotation of a flange provided on the shutter member and the supply screw to press the flange. The flange portion is arranged at a position always in contact with the developer in the supply conveyance path on the outer peripheral side of the blade portion of the supply screw, and rotates when the supply screw rotates. The developer is pressed in the rotation direction of the supply screw, and transmits a force in the rotation direction of the supply screw to the shutter member.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the sixth aspect , the screw torque transmission means includes a cylindrical guide member provided at both ends of the shutter member in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and the guide. A rubbing member that rubs the inner peripheral surface of the member, and the rubbing member is attached to the supply screw through a biasing member, and the outer peripheral direction of the supply screw is caused by centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the supply screw. And the tip of the guide member contacts the inner peripheral surface of the guide member and rubs.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device of the first, second, third , fourth , fifth , sixth , seventh or eighth aspect , the lower end of the discharge opening is positioned higher than the upper end of the supply screw. The above-mentioned discharge opening is provided in the above.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, 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 Alternatively, the developing device described in item 9 is used.
上記請求項１乃至１０の発明においては、排出下端高さ調節手段によって供給スクリュの回転速度に応じて排出開口部における現像剤を排出する下端部の高さを調節する。すなわち、供給スクリュの回転速度が速い場合は排出開口部における現像剤を排出する下端部の高さが高くなるように調節し、回転速度が遅い場合はこの下端部の高さが低くなるように調節する。これにより、供給スクリュの回転速度が速い場合でも現像装置内の現像剤の必要量を維持することができ、回転速度が遅い場合でも現像装置内の現像剤量が過剰となることを防止することができる。 In the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, the height of the lower end portion for discharging the developer in the discharge opening is adjusted by the discharge lower end height adjusting means in accordance with the rotational speed of the supply screw. That is, when the rotation speed of the supply screw is fast, the height of the lower end portion for discharging the developer at the discharge opening is adjusted to be high, and when the rotation speed is slow, the height of the lower end portion is lowered. Adjust. As a result, the required amount of developer in the developing device can be maintained even when the rotation speed of the supply screw is high, and the developer amount in the developing device is prevented from becoming excessive even when the rotation speed is slow. Can do.
請求項１乃至１０の発明によれば、供給スクリュの回転数を変化させても、現像装置内の現像剤の必要量を維持でき、現像剤量が過剰となることを防止することもできるので、装置内の現像剤量を一定の範囲内に保った状態で装置内の現像剤を交換することができるという優れた効果がある。 According to the first to tenth aspects of the invention, even if the rotation speed of the supply screw is changed, the required amount of the developer in the developing device can be maintained, and the developer amount can be prevented from becoming excessive. There is an excellent effect that the developer in the apparatus can be replaced while the developer amount in the apparatus is kept within a certain range.
以上、本実施形態によれば、現像装置４は、現像剤を表面上に担持して回転し、潜像担持体であると感光体１対向する箇所で感光体１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である現像ローラ５を有する。また、現像ローラ５に現像剤を供給しながら現像ローラ５の軸線方向に沿って現像剤を搬送する供給搬送路９を有する。また、回転軸８ａとらせん状の羽部８ｂとからなり、回転軸８ａを中心に回転することにより、供給搬送路９内の現像剤に対して搬送力を付与する供給スクリュ８を有する。また、供給搬送路９の搬送方向下流側に到達した現像剤を供給搬送路９の搬送方向上流側に搬送する循環搬送路である攪拌搬送路１０を有する。また、攪拌搬送路１０内の現像剤に対して搬送力を付与する循環搬送部材である攪拌スクリュ１１を有する。また、通過した現像剤が現像装置４の外に排出される排出開口部である現像剤排出口９４を供給搬送路９に備える。そして、この現像装置４は、供給スクリュ８の回転速度を複数種の設定に制御するスクリュ回転速度制御手段であるコントロールボード８８を画像形成装置である複写機５００に有する。また、供給スクリュ８の回転速度に応じて排出開口部である現像剤排出口９４における現像剤を排出する下端部の高さを調節する排出下端高さ調節手段として、開口位置高さ調節手段であるコントロールボード８８、ソレノイド９８及びスプリング９９を有する。現像装置４では、コントロールボード８８がソレノイド９８を制御することにより、供給スクリュ８の回転速度に応じて現像剤排出口９４の高さを調節する。これにより、現像剤排出口９４での現像剤を排出される下端部の高さを調節する。すなわち、供給スクリュ８の回転速度が速い場合は現像剤排出口９４における現像剤を排出する下端部の高さが高くなるように調節し、回転速度が遅い場合はこの下端部の高さが低くなるように調節する。これにより、供給スクリュ８の回転速度が速い場合でも現像装置４内の現像剤の必要量を維持することができ、回転速度が遅い場合でも現像装置４内の現像剤量が過剰となることを防止することができる。よって、現像装置４では、装置内の現像剤量を一定の範囲内に保った状態で装置内の現像剤を交換することができる。
また、現像装置４は、排出下端高さ調節手段は、供給スクリュの回転速度に応じて排出開口部である現像剤排出口９４の位置の高さを調節する開口位置高さ調節手段である。そして、現像剤排出口９４の位置の高さを調節することにより、現像剤排出口９４の下端部自体の高さを調節することができるので、現像剤排出口９４における現像剤を排出する下端部の高さを調節することができる。
また、現像装置４は、供給搬送路９を形成するケーシングは排出開口部である現像剤排出口９４を設ける位置に現像剤排出口９４よりも大きな開口部であるケーシング開口部９７を備える。また、遮蔽部材に現像剤排出口９４を設けた形状で、ケーシング開口部９７と対向する位置に上下方向に移動可能となるように配置され、現像剤排出口９４と対向する領域以外のケーシング開口部９７を遮蔽する排出開口部材１３５を備える。また、開口位置高さ調節手段として、排出開口部材１３５を上下方向に移動させる排出開口部材昇降手段であるソレノイド９８及びスプリング９９を備える。また、スクリュ回転速度制御手段であるコントロールボード８８による供給スクリュ８の回転速度の設定に基づいて排出開口部材昇降手段のソレノイド９８を排出開口部材昇降制御手段としての機能も備えるコントロールボード８８によって制御する。これにより、ソレノイド９８の駆動を制御して排出開口部材１３５を上下方向に移動させることで、排出開口部材１３５に設けられた現像剤排出口９４の位置の高さを調節することができる。
また、変形例１及び変形例２の現像装置４では、排出下端高さ調節手段は、供給スクリュ８の回転速度に応じて排出開口部である現像剤排出口９４の現像剤が通過可能な実質開口幅Ｗの下端を調節する実質開口幅下端調節手段である。これにより、現像剤排出口９４自体の位置を動かさなくても現像剤排出口９４における現像剤を排出する下端部の高さを調節することができる。
また、変形例１及び変形例２の現像装置４は、記実質開口幅下端調節手段として、シャッター部材７０と、スクリュ回転力伝達手段と、シャッター付勢部材であるシャッター付勢スプリング７５とを有する。また、シャッター部材７０は、供給搬送路９内の現像剤搬送方向について排出開口部である現像剤排出口９４と同位置の供給スクリュ８の羽部８ｂよりも外周側に回転軸８ａの軸線８ｒを中心に回転可能に配置されている。さらに、シャッター部材７０は、シャッター部材７０が回転することによって供給スクリュ８と現像剤排出口９４との間の空間の一部を遮るシャッター部７１を備える。また、スクリュ回転力伝達手段は、供給スクリュ８の回転方向の力をシャッター部材７０に伝達し、シャッター付勢スプリング７５はシャッター部材７０が供給スクリュ８の回転方向とは逆方向に回転するように付勢する。また、スクリュ回転力伝達手段は供給スクリュ８の回転速度が速いほどシャッター部材７０を供給スクリュ８の回転方向に回転させる力が強まるものである。そして、スクリュ回転力伝達手段のシャッター部材７０を回転させる力がシャッター付勢スプリング７５のシャッター部材７０を付勢する力よりも大きくなると、シャッター部材７０が供給スクリュ８の回転方向に回転する。これにより、シャッター部材７０のシャッター部７１が現像剤排出口９４の下部と供給スクリュ８との間の空間を遮ることで実質開口幅Ｗを狭める。一方、スクリュ回転力伝達手段のシャッター部材７０を回転させる力がシャッター付勢スプリング７５のシャッター部材７０を付勢する力よりも小さくなると、供給スクリュ８の回転方向に回転したシャッター部材７０が戻る。すなわち、シャッター部材７０がシャッター付勢スプリング７５の付勢により供給スクリュ８の回転方向とは逆方向に回転する。これにより、現像剤排出口９４の下部と供給スクリュ８との間の空間のシャッター部７１によって遮られた部分を開放することにより実質開口幅Ｗを広める。このような構成によって、供給スクリュ８の回転速度に応じて現像剤排出口９４の現像剤が通過可能な実質開口幅Ｗの下端を調節することができる。
また、変形例１の現像装置４は、スクリュ回転力伝達手段は、シャッター部材７０に設けられツバ部７４と、供給スクリュ８の回転によって回転してツバ部７４を押圧する現像剤Ｔである。ツバ部７４は、供給スクリュ８の羽部８ｂよりも外周側の供給搬送路９内の現像剤Ｔと常に接触する位置に配置され、供給スクリュ８が回転することによって回転する現像剤Ｔから供給スクリュ８の回転方向に押圧される。このように、ツバ部７４が現像剤Ｔに押圧されることにより、シャッター部材７０に供給スクリュ８の回転方向の力を伝達する。このようなスクリュ回転力伝達手段であれば、供給スクリュ８の回転速度が速いほどシャッター部材７０を供給スクリュ８の回転方向に回転させる力が強まらせることができる。
また、変形例２の現像装置４は、スクリュ回転力伝達手段は、回転軸８ａの軸線８ｒ方向についてシャッター部材７０の両端に設けられた円筒状の排ガイド部材７６と、排ガイド部材７６の内周面を摺擦する摺擦部材である摺擦ピン７８とからなる。摺擦ピン７８は、供給スクリュ８に付勢部材である摺擦スプリング７７を介して取り付けられ、供給スクリュ８の回転による遠心力によって供給スクリュ８の外周方向に飛び出す。そして、摺擦ピン７８の先端がガイド部材７６の内周面に接触して摺擦することにより、シャッター部材７０に供給スクリュ８の回転方向の力を伝達する。このようなスクリュ回転力伝達手段であれば、供給スクリュ８の回転速度が速いほどシャッター部材７０を供給スクリュ８の回転方向に回転させる力が強まらせることができる。
また、排出開口部である現像剤排出口９４の下端が供給スクリュ８の上端よりも高い位置となるように現像剤排出口９４を設けることにより、供給スクリュ８の羽根による現像剤の跳ね上げによって常に微量の剤が排出され続けることを抑制することができる。
また、画像形成装置である複写機５００は、少なくとも潜像担持体である感光体１と、帯電手段としての帯電装置と、潜像形成手段である光書込ユニット２１と、現像手段とを有する。そして、複写機５００の現像手段として現像装置４を用いることにより、画像の欠け、濃度ムラ、及び現像剤の飛散を防止することができるので安定した画像出力を維持できる。
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the developing device 4 carries the developer on the surface and rotates, and if it is a latent image carrier, the toner is applied to the latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 1 at a position facing the photoconductor 1. The developing roller 5 is a developer carrying member for developing the toner. Further, a supply conveyance path 9 that conveys the developer along the axial direction of the developing roller 5 while supplying the developer to the developing roller 5 is provided. Further, it has a supply screw 8 that is composed of a rotating shaft 8a and a spiral wing portion 8b, and applies a conveying force to the developer in the supply conveying path 9 by rotating around the rotating shaft 8a. In addition, a stirring conveyance path 10 that is a circulation conveyance path that conveys the developer that has reached the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path 9 to the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance path 9 is provided. In addition, it has a stirring screw 11 that is a circulating transport member that imparts transport force to the developer in the stirring transport path 10. Further, a developer discharge port 94 that is a discharge opening through which the developer that has passed is discharged out of the developing device 4 is provided in the supply conveyance path 9. The developing device 4 has a control board 88 as a screw rotation speed control means for controlling the rotation speed of the supply screw 8 to a plurality of settings in a copying machine 500 as an image forming apparatus. Further, the opening position height adjusting means is used as a discharge lower end height adjusting means for adjusting the height of the lower end portion for discharging the developer at the developer discharge port 94 which is a discharge opening according to the rotational speed of the supply screw 8. A control board 88, a solenoid 98 and a spring 99 are included. In the developing device 4, the control board 88 controls the solenoid 98 to adjust the height of the developer discharge port 94 according to the rotational speed of the supply screw 8. As a result, the height of the lower end portion where the developer is discharged from the developer discharge port 94 is adjusted. That is, when the rotation speed of the supply screw 8 is high, the lower end of the developer discharge port 94 for discharging the developer is adjusted to be high, and when the rotation speed is low, the lower end of the supply screw 8 is low. Adjust so that Accordingly, the required amount of developer in the developing device 4 can be maintained even when the rotation speed of the supply screw 8 is fast, and the amount of developer in the developing device 4 becomes excessive even when the rotational speed is slow. Can be prevented. Therefore, in the developing device 4, the developer in the apparatus can be exchanged in a state where the developer amount in the apparatus is kept within a certain range.
Further, in the developing device 4, the discharge lower end height adjusting means is an opening position height adjusting means for adjusting the height of the position of the developer discharge port 94 which is a discharge opening according to the rotation speed of the supply screw. Since the height of the lower end portion of the developer discharge port 94 can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the position of the developer discharge port 94, the lower end of the developer discharge port 94 that discharges the developer. The height of the part can be adjusted.
Further, the developing device 4 includes a casing opening 97 that is a larger opening than the developer discharge port 94 at a position where a developer discharge port 94 that is a discharge opening is provided in the casing that forms the supply conveyance path 9. Further, in the shape in which the developer discharge port 94 is provided in the shielding member, the casing opening other than the region facing the developer discharge port 94 is disposed so as to be movable in the vertical direction at a position facing the casing opening 97. A discharge opening member 135 that shields the portion 97 is provided. Further, as an opening position height adjusting means, a solenoid 98 and a spring 99 which are discharge opening member raising / lowering means for moving the discharge opening member 135 in the vertical direction are provided. Further, based on the setting of the rotation speed of the supply screw 8 by the control board 88 which is a screw rotation speed control means, the solenoid 98 of the discharge opening member lifting / lowering means is controlled by the control board 88 which also has a function as the discharge opening member lifting / lowering control means. . Accordingly, the height of the position of the developer discharge port 94 provided in the discharge opening member 135 can be adjusted by controlling the drive of the solenoid 98 to move the discharge opening member 135 in the vertical direction.
Further, in the developing devices 4 of the first and second modified examples, the discharge lower end height adjusting means can substantially pass the developer through the developer discharge port 94 that is the discharge opening according to the rotation speed of the supply screw 8. It is a substantial opening width lower end adjusting means for adjusting the lower end of the opening width W. Accordingly, the height of the lower end portion of the developer discharge port 94 for discharging the developer can be adjusted without moving the position of the developer discharge port 94 itself.
Further, the developing device 4 of Modification 1 and Modification 2 includes a shutter member 70, a screw rotational force transmission means, and a shutter urging spring 75 that is a shutter urging member as the substantial opening width lower end adjusting means. . The shutter member 70 has an axis 8r of the rotation shaft 8a on the outer peripheral side of the blade 8b of the supply screw 8 at the same position as the developer discharge port 94 which is a discharge opening in the developer conveyance direction in the supply conveyance path 9. It is arranged to be rotatable around the center. Further, the shutter member 70 includes a shutter portion 71 that blocks a part of the space between the supply screw 8 and the developer discharge port 94 as the shutter member 70 rotates. Further, the screw rotational force transmission means transmits the force in the rotational direction of the supply screw 8 to the shutter member 70, and the shutter biasing spring 75 causes the shutter member 70 to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the supply screw 8. Energize. Further, the screw rotational force transmitting means increases the force that rotates the shutter member 70 in the rotational direction of the supply screw 8 as the rotational speed of the supply screw 8 increases. When the force for rotating the shutter member 70 of the screw rotational force transmitting means becomes larger than the force for urging the shutter member 70 of the shutter urging spring 75, the shutter member 70 rotates in the rotation direction of the supply screw 8. Accordingly, the shutter portion 71 of the shutter member 70 blocks the space between the lower portion of the developer discharge port 94 and the supply screw 8, thereby reducing the substantial opening width W. On the other hand, when the force for rotating the shutter member 70 of the screw rotational force transmitting means becomes smaller than the force for urging the shutter member 70 of the shutter urging spring 75, the shutter member 70 rotated in the rotation direction of the supply screw 8 returns. That is, the shutter member 70 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the supply screw 8 by the biasing of the shutter biasing spring 75. Thus, the substantial opening width W is widened by opening a portion of the space between the lower portion of the developer discharge port 94 and the supply screw 8 that is blocked by the shutter portion 71. With such a configuration, the lower end of the substantial opening width W through which the developer at the developer discharge port 94 can pass can be adjusted according to the rotation speed of the supply screw 8.
Further, in the developing device 4 of the first modification, the screw rotational force transmitting means is a developer provided on the shutter member 70 and a developer T that rotates by the rotation of the supply screw 8 and presses the flange 74. The brim portion 74 is disposed at a position always in contact with the developer T in the supply conveyance path 9 on the outer peripheral side of the wing portion 8 b of the supply screw 8, and is supplied from the developer T that rotates as the supply screw 8 rotates. It is pressed in the rotational direction of the screw 8. In this way, when the flange 74 is pressed by the developer T, a force in the rotation direction of the supply screw 8 is transmitted to the shutter member 70. With such a screw rotational force transmitting means, the force that rotates the shutter member 70 in the rotational direction of the supply screw 8 can be increased as the rotational speed of the supply screw 8 increases.
Further, in the developing device 4 of the second modification, the screw torque transmission means includes cylindrical discharge guide members 76 provided at both ends of the shutter member 70 in the direction of the axis 8r of the rotation shaft 8a, and an inner portion of the discharge guide member 76. It comprises a rubbing pin 78 which is a rubbing member for rubbing the peripheral surface. The rubbing pin 78 is attached to the supply screw 8 via a rubbing spring 77 which is an urging member, and jumps out in the outer peripheral direction of the supply screw 8 by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the supply screw 8. The tip of the rubbing pin 78 contacts and rubs against the inner peripheral surface of the guide member 76, thereby transmitting the force in the rotation direction of the supply screw 8 to the shutter member 70. With such a screw rotational force transmitting means, the force that rotates the shutter member 70 in the rotational direction of the supply screw 8 can be increased as the rotational speed of the supply screw 8 increases.
Further, by providing the developer discharge port 94 so that the lower end of the developer discharge port 94 which is a discharge opening is higher than the upper end of the supply screw 8, the developer jumps up by the blades of the supply screw 8. It can suppress that a trace amount agent is always discharged | emitted continuously.
The copier 500 serving as an image forming apparatus includes at least the photosensitive member 1 serving as a latent image carrier, a charging device serving as a charging unit, an optical writing unit 21 serving as a latent image forming unit, and a developing unit. . By using the developing device 4 as the developing means of the copying machine 500, it is possible to prevent chipping of images, density unevenness, and scattering of the developer, so that stable image output can be maintained.
Claims (10)
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路と、
回転軸とらせん状の羽部とからなり、回転軸を中心に回転することにより、該供給搬送路内の現像剤に対して搬送力を付与する供給スクリュと、
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路と、
該循環搬送路内の現像剤に対して搬送力を付与する循環搬送部材とを有し、
通過した現像剤が現像装置の外に排出される排出開口部を該供給搬送路に備える現像装置において、
該供給スクリュの回転速度を複数種の設定に制御するスクリュ回転速度制御手段と、
該供給スクリュの回転速度に応じて該排出開口部における現像剤を排出する下端部の高さを調節する排出下端高さ調節手段と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;
A supply conveyance path for conveying the developer along the axial direction of the developer carrier while supplying the developer to the developer carrier;
A supply screw that includes a rotation shaft and a spiral wing, and applies a conveyance force to the developer in the supply conveyance path by rotating about the rotation axis;
A circulation conveyance path 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 circulation conveyance member that applies a conveyance force to the developer in the circulation conveyance path;
In the developing device provided in the supply conveyance path with a discharge opening through which the developer that has passed is discharged out of the developing device,
Screw rotation speed control means for controlling the rotation speed of the supply screw to a plurality of settings;
A developing device comprising: a discharge lower end height adjusting means for adjusting a height of a lower end portion for discharging the developer in the discharge opening in accordance with a rotation speed of the supply screw.
上記循環搬送路は、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 characterized in that the circulation transport path 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.
上記排出下端高さ調節手段は、上記供給スクリュの回転速度に応じて上記排出開口部の位置の高さを調節する開口位置高さ調節手段であることを特徴する現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The developing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge lower end height adjusting means is an opening position height adjusting means for adjusting a height of a position of the discharge opening in accordance with a rotation speed of the supply screw.
上記供給搬送路を形成するケーシングは上記排出開口部を設ける位置に該排出開口部よりも大きな開口部であるケーシング開口部を備え、
遮蔽部材に該排出開口部を設けた形状で、該ケーシング開口部と対向する位置に上下方向に移動可能となるように配置され、該排出開口部と対向する領域以外の該ケーシング開口部を遮蔽する排出開口部材を備え、
上記開口位置高さ調節手段として、該排出開口部材を上下方向に移動させる排出開口部材昇降手段と、上記スクリュ回転速度制御手段による供給スクリュの回転速度の設定に基づいて該排出開口部材昇降手段を制御する排出開口部材昇降制御手段とを備えることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 3 .
The casing that forms the supply conveyance path includes a casing opening that is a larger opening than the discharge opening at a position where the discharge opening is provided.
A shape in which the discharge opening is provided in the shielding member, is arranged so as to be movable in the vertical direction to a position facing the casing opening, and shields the casing opening other than the region facing the discharge opening. A discharge opening member
As the opening position height adjusting means, a discharge opening member lifting / lowering means for moving the discharge opening member in the vertical direction, and the discharge opening member lifting / lowering means based on the setting of the rotation speed of the supply screw by the screw rotation speed control means. A developing device comprising: a discharge opening member lifting control means for controlling.
上記排出下端高さ調節手段は、上記供給スクリュの回転速度に応じて上記排出開口部の現像剤が通過可能な実質開口幅の下端を調節する実質開口幅下端調節手段であることを特徴する現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The discharge lower end height adjusting means is a substantial opening width lower end adjusting means for adjusting a lower end of a substantial opening width through which the developer of the discharge opening can pass according to a rotation speed of the supply screw. apparatus.
上記実質開口幅下端調節手段として、上記供給搬送路内の現像剤搬送方向について上記排出開口部と同位置の上記供給スクリュの上記羽部よりも外周側に上記回転軸の軸線を中心に回転可能に配置され、回転することによって該供給スクリュと該排出開口部との間の空間の一部を遮るシャッター部材と、
該供給スクリュの回転方向の力を該シャッター部材に伝達するスクリュ回転力伝達手段と、
該シャッター部材を該供給スクリュの回転方向とは逆方向に回転するように付勢するシャッター付勢部材とを有し、
該スクリュ回転力伝達手段は該供給スクリュの回転速度が速いほど該シャッター部材を供給スクリュの回転方向に回転させる力が強まるものであり、
該スクリュ回転力伝達手段の該シャッター部材を回転させる力が該シャッター付勢部材の該シャッター部材を付勢する力よりも大きくなると、該シャッター部材が該供給スクリュの回転方向に回転して該シャッター部材が該排出開口部の下部と該供給スクリュとの間の空間を遮ることで上記実質開口幅を狭め、
該スクリュ回転力伝達手段の該シャッター部材を回転させる力が該シャッター付勢部材の該シャッター部材を付勢する力よりも小さくなると、該供給スクリュの回転方向に回転した該シャッター部材が該シャッター付勢部材の付勢により該供給スクリュの回転方向とは逆方向に回転して、
該排出開口部の下部と該供給スクリュとの間の空間の該シャッター部材によって遮られた部分を開放することにより該実質開口幅を広めることを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 5 .
As the substantial opening width lower end adjusting means, the developer can be rotated around the axis of the rotation shaft on the outer peripheral side from the blade portion of the supply screw at the same position as the discharge opening in the developer conveyance direction in the supply conveyance path. A shutter member that is disposed on and blocks a part of a space between the supply screw and the discharge opening by rotating,
Screw rotational force transmitting means for transmitting the force in the rotational direction of the supply screw to the shutter member;
A shutter urging member that urges the shutter member to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the supply screw;
The screw rotational force transmitting means is such that the higher the rotational speed of the supply screw, the stronger the force that rotates the shutter member in the rotational direction of the supply screw.
When the force for rotating the shutter member of the screw rotational force transmitting means becomes larger than the force for urging the shutter member of the shutter urging member, the shutter member rotates in the rotation direction of the supply screw and the shutter The member narrows the substantial opening width by blocking the space between the lower part of the discharge opening and the supply screw,
When the force for rotating the shutter member of the screw rotational force transmitting means is smaller than the force for urging the shutter member of the shutter urging member, the shutter member rotated in the rotation direction of the supply screw is attached to the shutter. Rotating in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the supply screw by the biasing of the biasing member,
A developing device that widens the substantial opening width by opening a portion of the space between the lower portion of the discharge opening and the supply screw that is blocked by the shutter member.
上記スクリュ回転力伝達手段は、上記シャッター部材に設けられツバ部と、上記供給スクリュの回転によって回転して該ツバ部を押圧する現像剤とからなり、
該ツバ部は、上記供給スクリュの上記羽部よりも外周側の上記供給搬送路内の現像剤と常に接触する位置に配置され、該供給スクリュが回転することによって回転する現像剤から該供給スクリュの回転方向に押圧され、シャッター部材に該供給スクリュの回転方向の力を伝達することを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 6 .
The screw rotational force transmitting means includes a flange provided on the shutter member and a developer that rotates by the rotation of the supply screw and presses the flange.
The brim portion is disposed at a position always in contact with the developer in the supply conveyance path on the outer peripheral side of the wing portion of the supply screw, and the supply screw is rotated from the developer rotated by the rotation of the supply screw. And a force in the rotation direction of the supply screw is transmitted to the shutter member.
上記スクリュ回転力伝達手段は、上記回転軸の軸線方向について上記シャッター部材の両端に設けられた円筒状のガイド部材と、該ガイド部材の内周面を摺擦する摺擦部材とからなり、
該摺擦部材は、上記供給スクリュに付勢部材を介して取り付けられ、該供給スクリュの回転による遠心力によって該供給スクリュの外周方向に飛び出し、その先端が該ガイド部材の内周面に接触して摺擦することを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 6 .
The screw torque transmission means includes a cylindrical guide member provided at both ends of the shutter member in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and a rubbing member that rubs the inner peripheral surface of the guide member.
The rubbing member is attached to the supply screw via a biasing member, and protrudes in the outer peripheral direction of the supply screw by a centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the supply screw, and its tip contacts the inner peripheral surface of the guide member. A developing device characterized by rubbing.
上記排出開口部の下端が上記供給スクリュの上端よりも高い位置となるように上記排出開口部を設け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 .
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge opening is provided so that a lower end of the discharge opening is higher than an upper end of the supply screw.
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または９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,
As developing means, the image forming apparatus, which comprises using a developing device according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007196470A JP5037254B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2007-07-27 | Developing device, image forming apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007196470A JP5037254B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2007-07-27 | Developing device, image forming apparatus |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2009031596A JP2009031596A (en) | 2009-02-12 |
| JP2009031596A5 true JP2009031596A5 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
| JP5037254B2 JP5037254B2 (en) | 2012-09-26 |
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| JP2007196470A Expired - Fee Related JP5037254B2 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2007-07-27 | Developing device, image forming apparatus |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| JP5003779B2 (en) * | 2010-03-19 | 2012-08-15 | コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP6284012B2 (en) * | 2014-02-21 | 2018-02-28 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| JPH1165248A (en) * | 1997-08-13 | 1999-03-05 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JP2000112238A (en) * | 1998-09-30 | 2000-04-21 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JP2003280355A (en) * | 2002-03-20 | 2003-10-02 | Konica Corp | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2005283685A (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2005-10-13 | Canon Inc | Image forming apparatus |
| JP4781064B2 (en) * | 2005-09-16 | 2011-09-28 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming apparatus |
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