JP2012203134A - Developing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device which suppresses generation of waste liquid and waste toner.SOLUTION: A developing device 16 includes a mechanism 56 which for example: after collecting liquid H for storage collected from a developer container 32 of a developing device 30 which is in an operation stop state, separates liquid component, toner component and impurity component from the collected liquid H for storage by using a phenomenon of sedimentation in a tank 44 for liquid for storage; stores the separated liquid component in the tank 44 for liquid for storage; reuses the separated toner component by supplying it to a developer tank 42; and discharges from the tank 44 for liquid for storage the separated impurity component.

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that “a liquid developing device that generates a toner image from an electrostatic latent image formed on the side surface of a photosensitive drum using a liquid toner, at least a liquid toner stored in a developing tank. Liquid toner recovery means for recovering the developer from the developer tank to the liquid toner tank, isopar supply means for supplying the isopar stored in the isopar tank to the developer tank, and the isopar stored in the developer tank as the isolator. There has been proposed a developing device comprising isopar collecting means for collecting in a par tank and liquid toner supplying means for supplying liquid toner stored in the liquid toner tank to the developing tank.
In this developing device, the liquid toner in the developing tank is collected in the liquid toner tank, and isoper is supplied to the developing tank.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 discloses a “storage tank for storing or collecting the developer in a wet image forming apparatus including a wet developing device that performs toner development using a developer in which toner particles are dispersed in a carrier liquid. And a developer channel for guiding the developer from the storage tank to the developing device and from the developing device to the storage tank, and developing in the developer channel when the image forming operation is paused There has been proposed a “wet image forming apparatus” characterized in that the liquid is collected on the storage tank side.
In this wet image forming apparatus, the carrier liquid is not supplied into the emptied developer flow path after the developer in the developer flow path is collected at the time of operation stop.

  Further, Patent Document 3 states that “a dry unit that absorbs the liquid carrier of the developer supplied and remains on the photosensitive medium and evaporates, and the carrier evaporated and evaporated by the dry unit and unavoidably introduced from the outside. A condenser for condensing moisture generated by air into liquid carrier and water, a condensing storage tank for storing water and liquid carrier condensed by the condenser, and water and liquid carrier flowing in from the condensing storage tank Are separately stored in a separated state, and at the same time, a carrier storage tank in which a new liquid carrier is further introduced from the outside and stored, and water stored in the carrier storage tank and the liquid carrier are separated from each other. Water and carrier separation means for delivering to different paths, and the carrier storage tank by the water and carrier separation means A waste water storage tank in which water in a state separated from a liquid carrier is introduced and stored, and a liquid carrier separated from water by the water and the carrier separating means is received from the carrier storage tank for storing external ink. There has been proposed a carrier recovery apparatus for a wet electrophotographic printer, which includes a developer mixing tank that mixes with concentrated ink flowing from a tank to form a developer.

Further, Patent Document 4 discloses that a latent image on a latent image carrier is developed using a developer in which toner is dispersed in a liquid, and an image visualized by the development is directly or intermediately transferred. In the wet image forming apparatus that collects and cleans the residual liquid remaining on the latent image carrier or the intermediate transfer body, and removes the liquid from the residual liquid removed and collected by the cleaning means that performs the cleaning. A wet image characterized by having separation / extraction means for separating and extracting components, and adjusting the concentration of the developer by adding the liquid component extracted by the separation / extraction means to the developer in the developing means. A forming device "has been proposed.
In this wet image forming apparatus, only the toner solid content is electrodeposited and held on the flat electrode, and only the carrier liquid component is separated and extracted.

  Further, Patent Document 5 states that “a high-viscosity liquid developer in which toner is dispersed at a high concentration is applied to a developer carrier, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member is subjected to liquid development on the developer carrier. In the developing device that transfers the developer and develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor, the liquid developer remaining on the developer carrier after the development processing is removed, and the liquid developer removed from the developer carrier is removed. The collected liquid developer is collected in the collected liquid tank, and the collected liquid developer is temporarily stored in the collected liquid tank so that the foreign matter mixed in the collected liquid developer is precipitated at the bottom of the collected liquid tank. Has been proposed. In this developing device, the developer is stored in the recovery liquid tank so that foreign matters are precipitated, and the recovery liquid tank is provided with a mesh as a filtering member.

JP 2000-221787 A JP 2009-216868 A JP 2000-075758 JP 2001-013795 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-065292

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a developing device that suppresses the generation of waste liquid and waste toner.

The above problem is solved by the following means. That is,
The invention according to claim 1
A developer containing portion that contains a liquid developer containing toner and carrier liquid; and the liquid developer contained in the developer containing portion is supplied to the surface of the image holding member, and is formed on the surface of the image holding member. A developing device body comprising: a developing member that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image;
A developer storage tank for storing the liquid developer;
A storage liquid storage tank for storing the storage liquid;
A first means for supplying the liquid developer from the developer storage tank to the developer accommodating portion of the developing device main body before starting the operation of the developing device main body;
A second means for recovering the liquid developer from the developer container of the developing device main body to the developer storage tank after the operation of the developing device main body is stopped;
After the liquid developer is collected from the developer container of the developing device main body to the developer storage tank, the storage liquid is supplied from the storage liquid storage tank to the developer container of the developing device main body. A third means of supplying;
Before supplying the liquid developer from the developer reservoir to the developer accommodating portion of the developing device main body, the storage liquid is supplied from the developer accommodating portion of the developing device main body to the storage liquid reservoir. A fourth means of collecting;
In the storage liquid storage tank, the liquid component and the toner component are separated from the recovered storage liquid, the separated liquid component is stored in the storage liquid storage tank, and the separated toner component is stored in the storage liquid storage tank. A fifth means for supplying the developer storage tank for reuse;
A developing device.

The invention according to claim 2
2. The development according to claim 1, wherein the fifth means is means for separating the liquid component and the toner component from the collected storage liquid in the storage liquid storage tank using a sedimentation phenomenon. apparatus.

The invention according to claim 3
The fifth means separates impurity components from the collected storage liquid in the storage liquid storage tank by using a sedimentation phenomenon, and discharges the separated impurity components from the storage liquid storage tank. The developing device according to claim 1, which is a means.

The invention according to claim 4
An image carrier,
A charging device for charging the image carrier;
An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged image carrier;
A developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier as a toner image, and the developing device according to claim 1,
A transfer device for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to the surface of a recording medium;
A fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium to the surface of the recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing device that suppresses the generation of waste liquid and waste toner as compared with the case where the fifth means is not provided.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing device in which the liquid component and the toner component are reused in a state of being separated with higher accuracy than when the fifth means is a means that does not use the sedimentation phenomenon.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device in which the liquid component and the toner component separated in a state in which the mixing of impurities is suppressed are reused as compared with the case where the fifth means is a means that does not separate impurities. Can be provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the generation of waste liquid and waste toner is suppressed as compared with the case where the developing device having no fifth means is provided.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a developing device according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a first process executed by a control unit of the developing device (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the 2nd process which the control part of the image development apparatus (image forming apparatus) which concerns on this embodiment performs.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment which is an example of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the developing device according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a wet image forming apparatus, and includes a photoconductor 10 (an example of an image holding body). A charging device 12 for charging the surface of the body 10, an exposure device 14 (an example of a latent image forming device) for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged photoreceptor 10 by exposure, and a surface of the photoreceptor 10. A developing device 16 that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image T, a transfer device 18 that transfers the toner image T formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 to the surface of a recording medium P (for example, paper), and a toner image T. And a cleaner 20 that removes and collects transfer residual toner particles remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 10 after the transfer.

The transfer device 18 has a drum-shaped intermediate transfer body 22 on which the toner image T formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 is transferred, and the toner image T transferred on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 22 on the recording medium P. And an intermediate transfer type apparatus having a transfer roll 24 for transfer.
The transfer device 18 may have a configuration including, for example, a belt-like intermediate transfer body 22, or may not include the intermediate transfer body 22, and the toner image may be directly transferred from the photoreceptor 10 to the recording medium P by the transfer roll 24. A direct transfer system configuration for transferring T may be used.
ing.

The image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment also includes a fixing device 26 that heats and fixes the toner image T transferred to the surface of the recording medium P.
The fixing method in the fixing device 26 may be contact thermal fixing using a fixing roll or belt, or non-contact heat fixing using an oven or a flash lamp.
When an ultraviolet curable developer is used, fixing is performed by a UV lamp or the like.

In the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, first, the charging device 12 charges the surface of the photoconductor 10 rotating in the arrow B direction to a predetermined potential.
Next, the exposure device 14 exposes the surface of the charged photoreceptor 10 based on the image signal (for example, exposure with a laser beam) to form an electrostatic latent image.
Next, the developing device 16 (developing device main body 30) supplies the liquid developer G to the surface of the photoreceptor 10 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and develops (develops) the electrostatic latent image, A toner image T is formed.

Next, the toner image T developed on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer member 22 that rotates in the direction of arrow C.
Next, the toner image T transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body 22 is transferred to the recording medium P at a position where the toner image T is in contact with the transfer roll 24. Here, in the main transfer, the recording medium P is sandwiched between the transfer roll 24 and the intermediate transfer body 22, and the toner image T on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 22 is brought into close contact with the recording medium P, whereby the toner image T is applied to the recording medium P. Transcript.

Thereafter, the recording medium P to which the toner image T has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 26, sandwiched between the fixing roller pair in the fixing device 26, pressurized and heated to fix the toner image T on the surface of the recording medium P. Thereby, a fixed image is formed on the surface of the recording medium P.
On the other hand, after the toner image T is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 22, the transfer residual toner particles are removed and collected by the cleaner 20, and the process again proceeds to the image forming process.

  In the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment in which the operation is performed with the above configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the developing device 16 operates the developing device main body 30, the liquid developer supply device 40, and the developing device 16. And a control unit 50 for controlling.

The developing device main body 30 will be described.
The developing device main body 30 is a wet developing device, and a developer container 32 (an example of a developer storage unit) that stores a liquid developer G, and a liquid developer G that is stored in the developer container 32. The developing roller 34 (an example of a developing member) that supplies the toner 10 to the surface of the photosensitive member 10 and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 10 as a toner image, and the amount of liquid developer supplied by the developing roller 34 are limited. And a regulating member 36.
The developing roll 34 is provided so that a part thereof is immersed in the liquid developer G stored in the developer container 32.

  In the developing device main body 30, the liquid developer G is conveyed to the photoconductor 10 by the developing roller 34 in a state where the supply amount is limited by the regulating member 36. As a result, the liquid developer G is supplied to the electrostatic latent image at a position where the developing roll 34 and the photoconductor 10 are close (or in contact). Then, the electrostatic latent image is visualized with the liquid developer G to form a toner image T.

The liquid developer supply device 40 will be described.
The liquid developer supply device 40 includes, for example, a developer tank 42 (an example of a developer storage tank) that stores the liquid developer G, and a storage liquid tank 44 (a storage liquid storage tank) that stores the storage liquid H. An example), a storage liquid supply tank 48 for storing a storage liquid HA for supply, and a developer supply tank for storing a high-concentration liquid developer GA for supply containing toner having a higher concentration than the liquid developer G. 46.

  For example, the liquid developer supply device 40 supplies the liquid developer G from the developer tank 42 to the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 before the operation of the developing device main body 30 is started, and the developing device main body 30. After stopping the operation, a path 52 for collecting the liquid developer G from the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 to the developer tank 42 (an example of the first means and the second means: hereinafter, the developer supply and recovery path 52) Provided).

  For example, the liquid developer supply device 40 stores the developer in the developing device main body 30 from the storage liquid tank 44 after the liquid developer G is collected from the developer containing container 32 of the developing device main body 30 to the developer tank 42. The storage liquid H is supplied to the container 32, and before the liquid developer G is supplied from the developer tank 42 to the developer storage container 32 of the development apparatus main body 30, the developer storage container 32 of the development apparatus main body 30 is used. A path 54 (an example of the third and fourth means: hereinafter referred to as a storage liquid supply / recovery path 54) for collecting the storage liquid H in the storage liquid tank 44 is provided.

  The liquid developer supply device 40 uses, for example, a sedimentation phenomenon to collect the liquid component (storage liquid H), the toner component DA, and the impurity component DB from the recovered storage liquid H in the storage liquid tank 44. The separated liquid component is stored in the storage liquid tank 44, the separated toner component DA is supplied to the developer tank 42 and reused, and the separated impurity component DB is discharged from the storage liquid tank 44. A mechanism 56 (an example of fifth means: hereinafter referred to as a separation / reuse mechanism 56) is provided.

  The liquid developer supply device 40 includes, for example, a path 58 for supplying high-concentration liquid developer GA for replenishment from the developer replenishment tank 46 to the developer tank 42 (hereinafter referred to as a developer replenishment path 58). .

  The liquid developer supply device 40 includes, for example, a path 60 (hereinafter referred to as a storage liquid supply path 60) for supplying the storage liquid HA for supply from the storage liquid supply tank 48 to the storage liquid tank 44. Yes.

Here, the liquid developer G includes, for example, toner (toner particles), a carrier liquid that disperses the toner, and a known additive such as a toner dispersant, if necessary. In the present embodiment, for example, a high-concentration liquid developer having a toner concentration of 10% by mass to 30% by mass is applied.
On the other hand, the storage liquid H fills the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 in place of the liquid developer G when the developing device main body 30 is in a non-operating state, for example, and the toner concentration of the liquid developer G Is supplied to the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 in order to suppress the clogging of the piping of the developing device main body 30 due to the rise and drying.
As the storage liquid H, for example, silicone solvents such as hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, Isopar H, Isopar M, Isopar L (trade names) manufactured by Exxon, Moresco Moresco White P-40, P-55, P-70, P-80 (trade name) and other paraffinic solvents, flaxseed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, olive oil, jojoba oil and other vegetable oils, gasoline And mineral oils.
The storage liquid H may contain various additives (for example, a dispersant, an emulsifier, etc.) added to the carrier liquid of the liquid developer G.
The storage liquid H may be the same as or different from the carrier liquid applied to the liquid developer G, but it is preferable to apply the same type of liquid (that is, The liquid developer composition may be a liquid composition excluding the toner (solid component).
In the present embodiment, a mode in which the same type of carrier liquid as that applied to the liquid developer is applied as the storage liquid H will be described.

Hereinafter, each component of the liquid developer supply device 40 will be described in detail.
The developer tank 42 is provided with, for example, a concentration detection sensor 42A that detects the concentration of the stored liquid developer G, and a liquid level detection sensor 42B that detects the height of the liquid level of the stored liquid developer G. Yes. In the developer tank 42, for example, a stirring member 42C may be disposed and stirred.
The storage liquid tank 44 is provided with, for example, a liquid level detection sensor 44A that detects the height of the storage liquid H to be stored.

  The developer supply / recovery path 52 connects, for example, the developer tank 42 and the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30. The developer supply / recovery path 52 includes, for example, a pipe 52A and a pump 52B arranged in the middle of the pipe 52A.

In the developer supply / recovery path 52, for example, before the operation of the developing device main body 30 is started (that is, before the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 101 is started, for example), the liquid developer G passes through the pipe 52A by driving the pump 52B. Then, the liquid developer G is supplied from the developer tank 42 to the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30, and the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 is filled with the liquid developer G.
On the other hand, in the developer supply / recovery path 52, for example, after the operation of the developing device main body 30 is stopped (that is, after the image forming operation is stopped by the image forming apparatus 101, for example), the liquid developer G is connected to the pipe 52A by reverse driving of the pump 52B. Then, the liquid developer G is collected from the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 to the developer tank 42, and the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 is emptied.

  The storage liquid supply / recovery path 54 connects, for example, the storage liquid tank 44 and the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30. The storage liquid supply / recovery path 54 includes, for example, a pipe 54A and a pump 54B arranged in the middle of the path of the pipe 54A.

In the storage liquid supply / recovery path 54, for example, after the liquid developer G is recovered from the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 to the developer tank 42 (that is, in the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30). , The storage liquid H is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 via the pipe 54A by driving the pump 54B. Then, the developer storage container 32 of the developing device main body 30 is filled with the storage liquid H.
On the other hand, in the storage liquid supply / recovery path 54, for example, before the liquid developer G is supplied from the developer tank 42 to the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 (that is, in the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30). Before the liquid developer G is filled), the storage liquid H is transferred from the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 to the storage liquid tank 44 via the pipe 54A by reverse driving of the pump 54B. G is collected, and the inside of the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 is emptied.

The developer supply path 58 connects, for example, the developer tank 42 and the developer supply tank 46. The developer supply path 58 includes, for example, a pipe 58A and a pump 58B disposed in the middle of the pipe 58A.
In the developer supply path 58, for example, when the pump 58B is driven, the high-concentration liquid developer GA for supply is supplied from the developer supply tank 46 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 58A. Agent GA is supplied.
The developer supply path 58 may be provided with a valve instead of the pump 58B, for example, and may be configured to open the valve and supply the high-concentration liquid developer GA for supply by its own weight.
The developer supply tank 46 may be a syringe-like tube, and the developer GA pushed out by reducing the volume of the tube may be supplied.

The storage liquid supply path 60 connects, for example, a storage liquid tank 44 and a storage liquid supply tank 48. The storage liquid replenishment path 60 is composed of a pipe 60A and a pump 60B disposed in the middle of the path of the pipe 60A.
In the storage liquid supply path 60, for example, when the pump 60B is driven, the storage liquid HA for supply is supplied from the storage liquid supply tank 48 to the storage liquid tank 44 via the pipe 60A. Supply HA.
The storage liquid replenishment path 60 may be provided with a valve instead of the pump 60B, for example, or may be configured to open the valve and supply the replenishment storage liquid HA by its own weight.

  The separation / reuse mechanism 56 develops, for example, a storage liquid tank 44 that separates each component using a sedimentation phenomenon, an impurity component collection tank 62 for collecting the impurity component, and the separated toner component DA. A path 64 (hereinafter referred to as toner component supply path 64) for supplying to the agent tank 42, a path 66 (hereinafter referred to as impurity component discharge path 66) for discharging to the separated impurity component recovery tank 62, and a storage liquid tank And a path 68 for supplying the storage liquid H from 44 to the developer tank 42 (hereinafter referred to as a density adjustment storage liquid supply path 68).

Here, after the liquid developer G is collected from the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30, the toner component (toner) of the liquid developer G remains on the inner wall of the developer container 32 that has become empty. . In this state, when the storage container H is supplied and filled with the storage liquid H and then collected again, the recovered storage liquid H contains a toner component (toner).
Further, impurities (for example, fragments around the photoconductor 10; for example, a fragment of a cleaning blade, a fragment of other members, etc.) may also enter and be collected in the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30. Impurities are also contained in the storage liquid H.

In the storage liquid tank 44, for example, a liquid component (storage liquid), a toner component (toner), and an impurity component are collected from the storage liquid H collected in the storage liquid tank 44 by using a sedimentation phenomenon. And are separated. That is, for example, in the storage liquid tank 44, the collected storage liquid H and the storage liquid H stored in advance are mixed, and the mixed storage liquid H is brought into a stationary state by a sedimentation phenomenon. A toner component (toner) and an impurity component having a specific gravity heavier than that of the component (storage liquid) settle to the bottom of the storage liquid tank 44. Further, for example, since the impurity component has a higher specific gravity than the toner component, the impurity component settles further below the toner component (on the bottom side of the storage liquid tank 44).
Therefore, due to the sedimentation phenomenon, in the storage liquid tank 44, for example, the impurity component, the toner component, and the liquid component are separated into layers in order from the bottom of the storage liquid tank 44.

On the other hand, the toner component supply path 64 is connected to the storage liquid tank 44 and the developer tank 42, for example. The toner component supply path 64 is, for example, a pipe 64A, a pump 64B arranged in the middle of the pipe 64A, and a density detection sensor that detects the density of the toner component (toner) arranged in the middle of the pipe 64A. 64C. Note that one end of the toner component supply path 64 (its piping 64A) is connected to, for example, the bottom of the storage liquid tank 44 (the portion where the toner component settles in a layered manner).
In the toner component supply path 64, for example, when the pump 64B is driven, the separated toner component is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 64A and reused.

The impurity component discharge path 66 connects, for example, the storage liquid tank 44 and the impurity component recovery tank 62. The impurity component discharge path 66 includes, for example, a pipe 66A and a pump 66B disposed in the middle of the path of the pipe 66A. Note that one end of the impurity component discharge path 66 (its piping 66A) is connected to, for example, the bottom surface of the storage liquid tank 44 (portion where the impurities settle in layers).
In the impurity component discharge path 66, for example, when the pump 66B is driven, the separated impurity component DB is recovered from the storage liquid tank 44 to the impurity component recovery tank 62 via the pipe 66A and discharged. .
The impurity component discharge path 66 may be provided with a valve instead of the pump 66B, for example, or may be configured to open the valve and collect the separated impurity component by its own weight.

The concentration adjustment storage liquid supply path 68 is connected to, for example, the storage liquid tank 44 and the developer tank 42. The concentration adjusting storage liquid supply path 68 includes, for example, a pipe 68A and a pump 68B disposed in the middle of the path of the pipe 68A.
In the concentration adjusting storage liquid supply path 68, the storage liquid H is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 68A by driving the pump 68B. This supply is performed, for example, to adjust the toner concentration of the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 when supplying and reusing the toner component in the toner component supply path 64.

  As described above, in the separation / reuse mechanism 56, after the liquid component (storage liquid), the toner component (toner), and the impurity component are separated, the liquid component (storage liquid component) is directly stored in the storage liquid tank 44. The toner component is stored and reused, supplied to the developer tank 42 and reused, and the impurity component is recovered and discharged to the impurity component recovery tank 62.

The control unit 50 is connected to each unit of the developing device 16 (liquid developer supply device 40) (for example, each pump, sensor, etc. of the liquid developer supply device 40) so as to send and receive signals.
Although not shown, the control unit 50 is configured as a computer, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a nonvolatile memory, and an input / output interface (I / O). Each part of the developing device 16 (liquid developer supply device 40) (for example, each pump and sensor of the liquid developer supply device 40) is connected to the I / O. Is done. In addition, a control program for processing (for example, image forming process processing, first processing, second processing, etc.), various table data, and the like are stored in the nonvolatile memory. The control program stored in the nonvolatile memory is read and executed by the CPU. The control program may be provided by a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

Here, the 1st process performed in the control part 50 is demonstrated.
The first process will be described as a process executed from a state where the operation of the developing device main body 30 is stopped.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, in step 200, for example, it is determined whether or not the developing device main body 30 (image forming apparatus 101) has stopped operating.
This determination is made, for example, whether the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off, or whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the developing device main body 30 is stopped even when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on. To do.
In this determination, if it is determined that the developing device main body 30 is in the operation stop state, the process proceeds to step 202.
On the other hand, when it is determined in this determination that the developing device main body 30 is not in the operation stop state, the process returns to Step 200.

Next, in step 202, for example, the liquid developer G remaining in the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 is collected.
Specifically, for example, the pump 52B of the developer supply / recovery path 52 is reversely driven. As a result, the liquid developer G remaining in the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 is collected from the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 52A. The Then, the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 is emptied.

Next, in step 204, for example, the storage liquid H is supplied to the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30.
Specifically, for example, the pump 54B of the storage liquid supply / recovery path 54 is driven. As a result, the storage liquid H stored in the storage liquid tank 44 is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 via the pipe 54A. Then, the storage liquid H is filled in the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30.

Next, in step 206, for example, it is determined whether or not the developing device main body 30 (image forming apparatus 101) has entered an operation start state.
This determination is performed, for example, based on whether the power of the image forming apparatus 101 is turned on or whether a signal for starting an image forming process is received or received by a user operation.
In this determination, if it is determined that the developing device main body 30 is in the operation start state, the process proceeds to step 208.
On the other hand, when it is determined in this determination that the developing device main body 30 is not in an operation start state, the process returns to step 206.

Next, in step 208, the storage liquid H stored in the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 is collected.
Specifically, for example, the pump 54B of the storage liquid supply / recovery path 54 is reversely driven. As a result, the storage liquid H stored in the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 is liquid-developed from the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 to the storage liquid tank 44 via the pipe 54A. The developer G is collected, and the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 is emptied.

Next, in step 210, the liquid developer G is supplied to the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30.
Specifically, for example, the pump 52B of the developer supply / recovery path 52 is driven. As a result, the liquid developer G is supplied from the developer tank 42 to the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 via the pipe 52A. Then, the liquid developer G fills the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30.

Then, the first process ends.
Thereafter, another process (image forming process) is executed in the control unit 50, and the image forming process is started.

Next, the 2nd process performed in the control part 50 is demonstrated.
The second process may be executed when the operation of the developing device body 30 (image forming apparatus 101) is stopped, or may be executed when the operation of the developing device body 30 (image forming apparatus 101) is started. .

First, as shown in FIG. 4, in step 300, for example, whether or not the number of times the storage liquid H is collected from the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 to the storage liquid tank 44 is equal to or greater than a preset number of times. Determine whether.
If it is determined in this determination that the number of times the storage liquid H has been collected is equal to or greater than the set number, the process proceeds to step 302.
On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination that the number of collection times of the storage liquid H is less than the set number, the process returns to step 300.
Note that this determination is not limited to the above determination. For example, a toner concentration sensor (not shown) is provided in the storage liquid tank 44, and the detection result is predetermined based on the detection result from the toner concentration sensor. The determination may be made based on whether the toner density is equal to or higher.

Next, in step 302, for example, after collecting the liquid developer G from the developer storage container 32 of the developing device main body 30 to the storage liquid tank 44, the storage liquid H is stored in the storage liquid tank 44. It is determined whether or not the liquid component (preservation liquid H), toner component DA (toner), and impurity component are separated from the liquid H.
In this determination, for example, after collecting the liquid developer G from the developer storage container 32 of the developing device main body 30 to the storage liquid tank 44, the storage liquid H is set to a preset time (time for separation due to sedimentation phenomenon). It depends on whether or not it has passed.
If it is determined in this determination that the liquid component (storage liquid H), the toner component DA (toner), and the impurity component are separated from the storage liquid H in the storage liquid tank 44, the process proceeds to step 304.
On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination that the images are not separated, the process returns to step 302.

Next, in step 304, for example, the separated toner component DA is supplied to the developer tank 42 and reused.
Specifically, for example, the pump 64B of the toner component supply path 64 is driven. Thus, the separated toner component is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 64A and reused.

Next, in step 306, the storage liquid H is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer tank 42.
Specifically, for example, the pump 68B of the concentration adjustment storage liquid supply path 68 is driven. As a result, the storage liquid H is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 68A. At this time, for example, the pump 68B is set so that the toner concentration of the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 becomes a predetermined value based on the supply amount of the toner component DA and the detection result of the concentration detection sensor 64C. And the supply amount is adjusted to supply the storage liquid H.

Next, in step 308, for example, the separated impurity component DB is discharged to the impurity component recovery tank 62.
Specifically, for example, the pump 66B of the impurity component discharge path 66 is driven. Thus, the separated impurity component DB is recovered from the storage liquid tank 44 to the impurity component recovery tank 62 via the pipe 66A and discharged.

Next, in step 310, for example, it is determined whether or not the storage liquid H stored in the storage liquid tank 44 is insufficient.
This determination is made based on, for example, whether the liquid level of the storage liquid H is lower than a predetermined level based on the detection result of the liquid level detection sensor 44 </ b> A provided in the storage liquid tank 44.
If it is determined in this determination that the storage liquid H stored in the storage liquid tank 44 is insufficient, the process proceeds to step 312.
On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination that the storage liquid H stored in the storage liquid tank 44 is not insufficient, the process proceeds to step 314.

Next, in step 312, for example, the storage liquid HA for supply is supplied to the storage liquid tank 44.
Specifically, for example, the pump 60B of the storage liquid supply path 60 is driven. As a result, the replenishment storage liquid HA is supplied from the storage liquid supply tank 48 to the storage liquid tank 44 via the pipe 60A.

Next, in step 314, for example, it is determined whether or not the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 is insufficient.
This determination is made based on, for example, whether the liquid level of the liquid developer G is lower than a predetermined level based on the detection result of the liquid level detection sensor 42B provided in the developer tank 42.
In this determination, if it is determined that the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 is insufficient, the process proceeds to step 316.
On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination that the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 is not insufficient, the process proceeds to step 318.

Next, in step 316, for example, the high-concentration liquid developer GA for supply is supplied to the developer tank 42.
Specifically, for example, the pump 58B of the developer supply path 58 is driven. The high-concentration liquid developer GA for supply is supplied from the developer supply tank 46 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 58A.
At the same time, for example, the pump 68B of the concentration adjusting storage liquid supply path 68 is driven. As a result, the storage liquid H is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 68A. At this time, for example, the pump 68B is set so that the toner concentration of the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 becomes a predetermined value according to the supply amount of the high-concentration liquid developer GA for replenishment. Control and adjust the supply amount to supply the storage liquid H.

Next, in step 318, for example, it is determined whether or not the toner concentration of the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 is fluctuating.
This determination is made, for example, based on the detection result of the density detection sensor 42A provided in the developer tank 42 based on whether or not a predetermined value (setting range) of the toner density of the liquid developer G is deviated.
In this determination, if it is determined that the toner concentration of the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 is changing, the process proceeds to step 320.
On the other hand, when it is determined in this determination that the toner concentration of the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 has not fluctuated, the second process is terminated.

Next, in step 320, for example, the toner concentration of the liquid developer G stored in the developer tank 42 is adjusted.
Specifically, when the toner concentration of the liquid developer G falls below a predetermined value (setting range), for example, the pump 58B of the developer supply path 58 is driven. As a result, the high-concentration liquid developer GA for supply is supplied from the developer supply tank 46 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 58A. Then, the toner concentration of the liquid developer G increases, and becomes a predetermined value (setting range).
On the other hand, when the toner concentration of the liquid developer G exceeds a predetermined value (setting range), for example, the pump 68B of the concentration adjusting storage liquid supply path 68 is driven. As a result, the storage liquid H is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer tank 42 via the pipe 68A. Then, the toner concentration of the liquid developer G decreases and becomes a predetermined value (setting range).

  Then, the second process is terminated.

In the developing device 16 (image forming apparatus 101) according to the present embodiment described above, the developing device supply / recovery path 52 (an example of the first unit and the second unit) provided in the liquid developer supplying device 40, for example, develops, for example. Before starting the operation of the main body 30, the liquid developer G is supplied from the developer tank 42 to the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30, and after the operation of the developing device main body 30 is stopped, the developer of the developing device main body 30. The liquid developer G is collected from the storage container 32 to the developer tank 42.
In the developing device 16 (image forming apparatus 101) according to the present embodiment, the developer supply / recovery path 52 is configured by one path and one pump. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the supply path and the recovery path are not limited to this. The liquid developer G may be circulated between the developer tank 42 and the developer storage container 32.

  Further, for example, liquid development from the developer container 32 of the developing device body 30 to the developer tank 42 is performed by the storage liquid supply / recovery path 54 (an example of the third means and the fourth means) provided in the liquid developer supply device 40. After the agent G is collected, the storage liquid H is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44 to the developer storage container 32 of the development apparatus main body 30, and the developer storage container 32 of the development apparatus main body 30 is supplied from the developer tank 42. Before supplying the liquid developer G to the storage device, the storage liquid H is collected from the developer storage container 32 of the developing device body 30 to the storage liquid tank 44.

  As a result, in the developing device 16 (image forming apparatus 101) according to the present embodiment, the liquid developer is contained in the developer container 32 of the developing device main body 30 when the developing device main body 30 (image forming apparatus 101) is not operating. Instead of G, the liquid is filled with the storage liquid H, and the increase in the toner concentration of the liquid developer G and the clogging of the piping of the developing device main body 30 due to drying are suppressed.

  On the other hand, the separation / reuse mechanism 56 (an example of the fifth means) separates the liquid component (storage liquid H) and the toner component DA from the collected storage liquid H in the storage liquid tank 44. The separated liquid component is stored in the storage liquid tank 44, and the separated toner component DA is supplied to the developer tank 42 for reuse.

  Thereby, in the developing device 16 (developing device 16) according to the present embodiment, each component (liquid component (preserving liquid H) and toner component DA) separated from the collected storage liquid H is effectively reused. Therefore, generation of waste liquid and waste toner is suppressed.

Further, the developing device 16 (image forming apparatus 101) according to the present embodiment is separated with high accuracy because separation by the separation / reuse mechanism 56 (an example of the fifth means) is performed using a sedimentation phenomenon. In the state, the liquid component and the toner component DA are reused. Further, this separation / reuse can be realized with a simple configuration.
In particular, for this separation, a method using mesh or electrodeposition may be considered. For example, when a high-concentration liquid developer having a toner concentration of 10% by mass to 30% by mass is applied, the separation function can be performed in a short period of time. In view of this, it is advantageous in this respect to use a sedimentation phenomenon in which the separation function does not deteriorate.

  Further, in the developing device 16 (image forming apparatus 101) according to the present embodiment, the separation / reuse mechanism 56 (an example of the fifth means) also separates the impurity component DB, thereby suppressing the mixing of impurities. The liquid component and toner component DA separated in the separated state are reused.

  In the developing device 16 (image forming apparatus 101) according to the present embodiment, the separation / reuse mechanism 56 (an example of the fifth means) is used for separation using the sedimentation phenomenon. For example, centrifugation may be used.

Further, in the developing device 16 (image forming apparatus 101) according to the present embodiment, a mode in which one tank (storage tank) is provided as the storage liquid tank (an example of the storage liquid storage tank) has been described. For example, two tanks (for example, a first tank (first storage tank) for storing a storage liquid H to be supplied to the developer storage container 32 of the developing device main body 30) and the developing device main body 30. The form provided with the 2nd tank (2nd storage tank) which stores the preservation | save liquid H collect | recovered from the developer storage container 32 may be sufficient.
In this embodiment, the separation / reuse mechanism 56 separates the liquid component (storage liquid H), the toner component DA, and the impurity component DB from the recovered storage liquid H in the first tank (second storage tank). The separated liquid component is supplied to the first tank for storage and reused, the separated toner component DA is supplied to the developer tank 42 for reuse, and the separated impurity component DB is supplied from the storage liquid tank 44. It is a mechanism for discharging.

  In the developing device 16 (image forming apparatus 101) according to the present embodiment, the configurations of the developing device main body 30 and the image forming device 101 are not limited to the above-described configurations, and any configuration can be used as long as it is a known configuration. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Photoconductor 12 Charging apparatus 14 Exposure apparatus 16 Development apparatus 18 Transfer apparatus 20 Cleaner 22 Intermediate transfer body 24 Transfer roll 26 Fixing apparatus 30 Development apparatus main body 32 Developer container 34 Development roll 36 Restriction member 40 Liquid developer supply apparatus 42 Development Agent tank 42A Concentration detection sensor 42B Liquid level detection sensor 42C Stirring member 44 Storage liquid tank 44A Liquid level detection sensor 46 Developer supply tank 48 Storage liquid supply tank 50 Controller 52 path (Developer supply / recovery path)
52A Pipe 52B Pump 54 path (storage liquid supply / recovery path)
54A Piping 54B Pump 56 Separation / Reuse Mechanism 58 Path (Developer Supply Path)
58A Pipe 58B Pump 60 path (preservation liquid supply path)
60A Piping 60B Pump 62 Impurity component recovery tank 64 path (toner component supply path)
64A Pipe 64B Pump 64C Concentration detection sensor 66 Route (impurity component discharge route)
66A Pipe 66B Pump 68 path (concentration adjustment storage liquid supply path)
68A Piping 68B Pump 101 Image forming apparatus DA Toner component DB Impurity component G Liquid developer GA High concentration liquid developer H for replenishment Storage liquid HA Replenishment storage liquid P Recording medium T Toner image

Claims (4)

A developer containing portion that contains a liquid developer containing toner and carrier liquid; and the liquid developer contained in the developer containing portion is supplied to the surface of the image holding member, and is formed on the surface of the image holding member. A developing device body comprising: a developing member that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image;
A developer storage tank for storing the liquid developer;
A storage liquid storage tank for storing the storage liquid;
A first means for supplying the liquid developer from the developer storage tank to the developer accommodating portion of the developing device main body before starting the operation of the developing device main body;
A second means for recovering the liquid developer from the developer container of the developing device main body to the developer storage tank after the operation of the developing device main body is stopped;
After the liquid developer is collected from the developer container of the developing device main body to the developer storage tank, the storage liquid is supplied from the storage liquid storage tank to the developer container of the developing device main body. A third means of supplying;
Before supplying the liquid developer from the developer reservoir to the developer accommodating portion of the developing device main body, the storage liquid is supplied from the developer accommodating portion of the developing device main body to the storage liquid reservoir. A fourth means of collecting;
In the storage liquid storage tank, the liquid component and the toner component are separated from the recovered storage liquid, the separated liquid component is stored in the storage liquid storage tank, and the separated toner component is stored in the storage liquid storage tank. A fifth means for supplying the developer storage tank for reuse;
A developing device.   2. The development according to claim 1, wherein the fifth means is means for separating the liquid component and the toner component from the collected storage liquid in the storage liquid storage tank using a sedimentation phenomenon. apparatus.   The fifth means separates impurity components from the collected storage liquid in the storage liquid storage tank by using a sedimentation phenomenon, and discharges the separated impurity components from the storage liquid storage tank. The developing device according to claim 1, which is a means. An image carrier,
A charging device for charging the image carrier;
An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged image carrier;
A developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier as a toner image, and the developing device according to claim 1,
A transfer device for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to the surface of a recording medium;
A fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium to the surface of the recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images